Chiefs’ Plan vs. Tush Push
Solving the NFL’s Most Unstoppable Play
At this point, the Eagles’ **Tush Push** has transcended footballit’s a phenomenon. Some love it, some hate it, and defenses across the NFL lose sleep over it. Philadelphia’s near-automatic quarterback sneak, led by Jalen Hurts and a bulldozing offensive line, has been a nightmare for opposing teams. Now, with **Super Bowl LIX** upon us, the **Kansas City Chiefs** are tasked with cracking the code. They wouldn’t be the first team to try, but Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo have had two weeks to prepare a counterattack. Will they succeed where so many others have failed? Here’s how the Chiefs plan to stopor at least slow downone of the **most controversial and effective plays** in football today.
Why Is the Tush Push So Effective?
The **Tush Push** is, at its core, a quarterback sneak. But what makes the Eagles different is their **execution and personnel**. – **Jason Kelce leads the charge** – One of the best centers in NFL history, Kelce has the perfect mix of strength and leverage to win at the point of attack.
– **Jalen Hurts is built for it** – Unlike most quarterbacks, Hurts has the power and lower-body strength to grind out tough yards.
– **Philly’s O-line is elite** – The Eagles’ offensive linemen fire off the ball low, winning leverage battles in short-yardage situations.
– **The push factor** – Teammates behind Hurts give him extra momentum by literally shoving him forward. It’s a simple yet nearly **unstoppable** combination. Defenses know it’s coming but still can’t do much about it.
The Chiefs’ Defensive Adjustment
Kansas City is no stranger to **big-time defensive scheming**, especially with **Steve Spagnuolo** at the helm. The four-time Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator has built a reputation for disrupting opposing offenses, and he’ll need to dig deep into his playbook to deal with this short-yardage juggernaut. So, how can the **Chiefs counter the push**?
1. Win the Leverage Battle
The key to stopping the **Tush Push** is winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. Kansas City’s **defensive line needs to get lower than Philly’s offensive line**, which is easier said than done. Expect **Chris Jones** to be the focal point, using his strength and technique to create a stalemate inside.
2. Stack the Interior
The Eagles love running this play when they need **less than two yards**. The Chiefs might respond by **loading the interior** with big bodies in an effort to clog running lanes. Plugging **Derrick Nnadi or Tershawn Wharton** next to Jones could create a defensive wall.
3. Attack the Center
Since the play runs straight up the middle, disrupting **Kelce’s snap and initial movement** could throw off the Eagles’ timing. Some teams have tried lining up a defender directly over the center to push him backward immediately, and that might be the Chiefs’ best bet.
4. Shoot the Gaps
Defenses have had limited success stopping the **Tush Push**, but one strategy that has worked in rare cases is sending **penetrators through the gaps** before the Eagles’ line can fully engage. Look for key players like **Nick Bolton** or Leo Chenal to try and knife through the A-gaps to force Hurts sideways instead of forward.
5. Anticipate the Change-Up
The Eagles know that everyone expects the **Tush Push** in short-yardage situations, so they have **counter plays built into their package**. A fake sneak followed by a quick pitch or a sudden rollout could be a possibility. The Chiefs’ defenders must maintain discipline to prevent getting tricked by an **unexpected wrinkle** in the Eagles’ approach.
Will the Chiefs’ Plan Work?
History isn’t on the Chiefs’ side. Philadelphia has run this play with **remarkable efficiency**, converting at an almost **unstoppable rate**. Yet, Kansas City boasts one of the **NFL’s best defensive minds** in Spagnuolo, plus the benefit of two weeks’ preparation. If they can disrupt **Hurts and Kelce’s timing, win the leverage battle, and account for potential variations**, they might just become the team that finally solves the **NFL’s most controversial play**. Then again, if the Eagles line up in the **Tush Push**, get low, and power forward as they’ve done all year, it might not matter what the Chiefs do. Super Bowl LIX’s biggest moments may very well hinge on whether or not Kansas City can succeed where so many have failed. Buckle upthis chess match in the trenches is going to be must-watch football.
