Eagles' Jordan Mailata says renewed criticism of 'tush push' makes his 'blood boil'

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata said renewed criticism of the "tush push" short-yardage play following Week 2's game against the Kansas City Chiefs makes his "blood boil," calling attacks on the play and his team's victory disrespectful to the Eagles' defense and special teams.

Fans and analysts scrutinized the play on social media after the Eagles used a push behind quarterback Jalen Hurts late in the second half. Some observers alleged players had jumped offside before the snap and that the offense had too many men on the line of scrimmage, but the play stood and was not overturned during the game.

In an interview on Philadelphia sports radio station 94 WIP, Mailata said the criticism reduced the team's broader performance to a single short-yardage play and diminished the contributions of teammates. "I understand the outrage," Mailata said. "What I don't understand is them using it as an excuse to why we won the game. I think it's incredibly disrespectful to our defense and our special teams, who balled out... That kind of irks me a little bit. That p---es me off because we give so much to this game... I just think it's rubbish. Absolute rubbish, man. It makes my blood boil just thinking about it."

The tussle over the play has stretched beyond fan debate. Team officials and NFL owners discussed a potential ban on the maneuver during the offseason, and the play survived a league vote that would have effectively outlawed it. The push — which involves one or more teammates shoving the quarterback from behind to help gain a yard or two — was used effectively by the Eagles during their 2024 run to the Super Bowl.

Images from Sunday show Hurts receiving a shove from teammates as he reached the end zone on the drive in question. The sequence prompted renewed calls from some quarters for the league to clarify or change the rule governing assistance of a runner and how the play is officiated in short-yardage situations.

Eagles coach and league officials did not issue an immediate, detailed response to Mailata's comments. The debate has included questions not only about the ethics of the tactic but also about officiating consistency, such as whether players are being flagged for or gaining advantage through formation infractions or early movement.

Proponents of preserving the play argue it is a legitimate short-yardage strategy, while critics say it undermines the spirit of the rules governing assistance and player movement. The play's status remains a live issue as teams and the league weigh competitive fairness, player safety and the clarity of officiating guidance.

Mailata's remarks underscore the polarization surrounding a single tactic that has become suburban front-page fodder and an owners-level talking point. For the Eagles, the immediate season task remains converting short-yardage chances and relying on complementary play from defense and special teams while the league considers any potential rule adjustments.