The Buccaneers made what appeared to be a costly error after Dallas Goedert scored the Eagles’ first touchdown of the game.
Defensive back Zyon McCollum jumped offside on Philadelphia’s extra point attempt. After it, Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni opted to attempt a two-point conversion while in search of a little extra edge as his team battled back from a 13-point deficit.
It was presumed that the Eagles would be able to get into the end zone with ease. Why? Because Philadelphia is the architect of one of the most effective quarterback sneaks in the NFL: the “Tush Push.”
The Eagles had an astounding conversion rate of 92.5 percent on the play — which features quarterback Jalen Hurts diving up the middle and being pushed from behind, hence the name — entering Monday’s action.
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However, the Buccaneers found a way to stop it. Defensive tackle Greg Gaines dove underneath center Jason Kelce as the ball was snapped while mammoth nose tackle Vita Vea and linebacker Lavonte David, among others, plowed into the line.
The result? Tampa Bay was able to stonewall Hurts, preserving a 16-9 Buccaneers lead.
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
Of course, it’s worth noting that the officials appeared to miss a facemask call on the play. Linebacker KJ Britt appeared to have a grasp of Hurts’ headgear as he dragged him backward at the end of the game.
Even so, the Buccaneers earned just the fourth Tush Push stop of the year on 41 attempts. And impressively, they had recorded one of the previous three denials of the play when they played the Eagles in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season.
As such, it appears that Tampa Bay — with the hefty, 346-pound Vea and other top-notch, downhill playmakers in the front seven — is among the best teams at counteracting Philadelphia’s greatest strength.
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Still, many were surprised that the Buccaneers found a way to stop the seemingly unstoppable Eagles sneak. And Tampa Bay’s effort on the play captured the attention of NFL fans and media analysts alike, who pontificated about it on social media.
Below are some of the best reactions to the stop, from praise of the Buccaneers to those who couldn’t believe the officials missed the facemask call.
The Bucs STOPPED THE TUSH PUSH?
Pirates have always been about their booty.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 16, 2024
“death of the tush push”
written by: vita vea
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) January 16, 2024
When the tush push does not work pic.twitter.com/R6SNlcBVqz
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 16, 2024
Buccaneers stopping the Tush Push: pic.twitter.com/nkeUF8OwNM
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 16, 2024
How do you stop the Tush Push?
Just try to tear Jalen Hurts head off of his body. No big deal 😂 🤣 pic.twitter.com/im3wy5jlzs
— Rich Ohrnberger (@ohrnberger) January 16, 2024
Way to stop the Tush Push: twist Hurts’ facemask around (and have the refs ignore it). Who knew??
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) January 16, 2024
The tush push is unstoppable? pic.twitter.com/njrKuY5uAP
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) January 16, 2024
Tampa Bay’s goal-line stand was certainly impressive, and the Buccaneers may be the NFL’s best team against the Tush Push. They can certainly cement that status if they are able to stop it again as they look to lock down a wild-card win.
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