Recent Tush Push study delivers a surprise Eagles fans didn't see coming
After taking a few years to analyze both data and chatter, it has become apparent that there are two types of Philadelphia Eagles fans when it comes to Pro Football Focus. One sect is in the fan section. They may not shell out additional dollars for premium content, but they're all in. They love the statistical deep dives even if they sometimes struggle to understand them.
The other sect consists of those who say they aren't fans but are fibbing. They claim to despise PFF's analysis, yet they always seem to be caught up in their latest takes and stories.
Here's the verdict. PFF is typically worth a discussion. They're in their own lane, one that has attracted others who are walking a road that has already been paved.
Why so much love, you ask? It's simple... Cris Collinsworth's brainchild has again caught our attention. Just when you thought discussions about the Tush Push would finally go silent, here come the stat gurus to offer more in-depth analysis.
PFF reveals a surprising detail about the Eagles' infamous Tush Push play
Who knew? One of the most basic play calls in football's handbook, a supercharged quarterback sneak, has been the subject of praise, animosity, and fury.
We learned a new rule in the NFC Championship Game because of its existence. We saw anonymous grievances filed. We later learned they were submitted by an Eagles regular-season and playoff victim.
In the end, ten teams stood with the Birds, and Philadelphia's infamous play lives on for another NFL season. Discussions about the Brotherly Shove haven't ended, though. Recently, PFF's Ben Linsey offered a deeper dive, one that shares some of the expected information and a few surprises that few Birds fans were probably expecting.
As is well known, Philadelphia isn't the only team running the play. As most would probably expect, however, they lead the NFL in its usage over the past four seasons and lead the league in expected points added (EPA). The Eagles have run 145 quarterback sneaks during that time frame. The next highest team in terms of usage is the Buffalo Bills (77). The Denver Broncos are ranked second in terms of EPA, but here's what's interesting.
When calculating average EPA, Philadelphia doesn't land in the top five. They rank sixth. They trail the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Detroit Lions.
Wait! PFF is saying that Philadelphia isn't the best at running this play. Wasn't that part of the reason why so many teams called for a ban? Well... That and potential injury... Here's what Linsey detailed in his bottom line.
"While the Eagles outperform most of the league in average EPA per quarterback sneak, there's little evidence to suggest they hold a significant edge in execution. Their true advantage lies in volume: they've fully embraced one of the most efficient short-yardage plays in football, leveraging it more frequently than any other team."
Interesting... Who knew? Zany stats... Unexpected calls by referees in the NFC Title Game... From a journalistic perspective, the Tush Push has given the NFL world plenty to talk about. Expect discussions to continue well into the future.
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