The Tush Push's Role in Historic Quarterback Rushing Records
The 'tush push' quarterback sneak has become a signature play for the Philadelphia Eagles and a notable tool for the Buffalo Bills. This analysis examines how this specific short-yardage tactic contributes to the historic rushing touchdown totals of star quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen. While both players are on record-breaking trajectories, the play's impact and sustainability differ significantly between their offenses, influenced by usage frequency, physical demands, and ongoing league debates about its legality.
The evolution of the NFL quarterback has reached a new zenith with the rise of prolific dual-threat passers like the Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts and the Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen. Their ability to score with their legs has placed them among the most prolific rushing quarterbacks in league history. A significant, yet often debated, component of this ground production is the "tush push" or "brotherly shove"—a concentrated quarterback sneak play that has become a hallmark of short-yardage success. This article analyzes how this specific tactic factors into the remarkable rushing records of Hurts and Allen, and its role in their potential chase for the all-time rushing touchdown record.
Historic Context: Hurts and Allen's Record Pace
As highlighted by ESPN analysis, Josh Allen already holds the record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history with 77. Jalen Hurts, drafted in 2020, ranks third with 63. Their production is not just leading their position; it's historically significant across all positions. Based on their current paces, both quarterbacks are projected to challenge Emmitt Smith's all-time career rushing touchdown record of 164, potentially surpassing it early in the 2034 season. This places them in territory traditionally dominated by running backs, with Derrick Henry being the only other active player in the top 20.
The Tush Push: A Tactical Breakdown
The tush push involves the quarterback taking a snap under center and plunging forward behind his offensive line, with teammates pushing him from behind to gain extra leverage and forward momentum. It is essentially a hyper-focused version of the quarterback sneak, designed to gain minimal but critical yardage, particularly in goal-line situations.
Differential Impact on Hurts vs. Allen
The play's role diverges sharply between the two quarterbacks' offenses, illustrating different philosophical approaches.
For Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, the tush push is a foundational, high-volume weapon. Since 2022, the Eagles have run the play 148 times, far more than any other team. Hurts has scored 36 touchdowns via the tush push in that span, accounting for a substantial portion of his red-zone production. His physical prowess, including a reported ability to squat over 600 pounds, makes him uniquely suited for the play's demands. The Eagles' heavy investment in the tactic is a deliberate strategy, with coach Nick Sirianni noting the extensive planning and fundamental work required for its execution.
For Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, the tush push is a tool, but not a cornerstone. The Bills have used it 79 times since 2022, the second-most in the league but less than half of Philadelphia's usage. Allen has scored 18 touchdowns via the push, representing about one-fifth of his total rushing touchdowns in that period. Allen's success near the goal line stems more from his overall athleticism, size (6'5", 237 lbs), and ability to evade defenders, with the tush push being one option among many.
Factors Influencing Future Record Chases
The sustainability of the tush push, and thus its continued contribution to these quarterbacks' records, faces several challenges.
First, there is the annual debate about banning the play. League competition committees have repeatedly reviewed its legality, with some coaches and officials arguing it compromises player safety or violates the spirit of the rules regarding aiding the runner. Its future is not guaranteed.
Second, physical toll and strategic evolution are key considerations. Hurts has already indicated that executing the play is "becoming tougher and tougher" as defenses devise new counters. Furthermore, he is on pace for career lows in overall rushing attempts and yards, suggesting a conscious or necessary scaling back of designed runs to preserve his health. Allen, while still highly effective as a rusher, has also seen the Bills prioritize reducing the hits he takes.
Conclusion: A Significant, But Not Singular, Factor
The tush push is a significant accelerant for Jalen Hurts's pursuit of rushing records, providing a highly efficient, repeatable method for converting at the goal line. For Josh Allen, it is a contributing element within a broader, more diverse rushing skill set. While the play has undoubtedly padded their touchdown totals and sparked league-wide discussion, the long-term viability of both quarterbacks' record chases will depend less on this one tactic and more on their overall health, longevity, and ability to adapt as defenses—and possibly the rulebook—evolve. The tush push has been a key chapter in their stories, but the final chapters will be written by their enduring talent and durability.
