Patriots mailbag: Readers want to know more about the Tush Push, as well as players impressing at OTA practices

Boston Globe

03-06-2025

By any metric you want to use, the Eagles have a world-class offensive line that gets a consistent push, particularly in short-yardage situations. They also have a quarterback in Jalen Hurts who can execute it perfectly, never skips leg day (there's plenty of drive on his part), and is willing to take the punishment that comes with it.
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It's worth noting, however, that while Philadelphia led the league with 22 conversions on third/fourth and 1 in 2024, the Eagles' 81 percent success rate was fourth among teams with at least 12 attempts: Jayden Daniels and the Commanders (12 for 12, 100 percent), Josh Allen and the Bills (17 of 18, 94 percent), and Bo Nix and the Broncos (12-for-14, 86 percent) all converted at a higher rate than the Eagles. While they weren't using
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What's the difference between a quarterback sneak, which Tom Brady was
so good at, and the current conversation around the Tush Push?
— Thomas Walter, Natick
An important differentiation. Both take a physical offensive line, but what Brady did so well was tuck himself into the A-gap between the guard and center and lunge forward. With the Tush Push, tight ends and/or running backs line up behind the quarterback and give him a push once the ball is snapped to have a better chance at success.
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Former Patriot Tom Brady had great success with the quarterback sneak.
The Boston Globe/Globe Freelance
Related
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Is there an undrafted rookie that's surprised you during the OTAs?
— Chuck Blend, via email
We've only seen two of the OTA practices, but it's hard not to be impressed by wide receiver Efton Chism. It's early, the routes are mostly undefended, and players are in T-shirts and shorts, but he's done well with the reps he's been given. He's quick, attacks the ball, and hasn't looked overwhelmed. He also returned punts during special teams work. He needs to continue to ascend, but he's had a good start.
He wasn't an undrafted free agent, but a Day 3 pick worth including in this conversation is safety Craig Woodson. The fourth-rounder out of Cal, while he's been moved around a bit, looks comfortable as a center fielder. It'll be interesting how Woodson will be deployed alongside Jaylinn Hawkins and Dell Pettus, but he's certainly made his case to be part of the rotation at training camp.
Wide receiver Efton Chism has opened eyes in his early days as a Patriot.
Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Christopher Price can be reached at