Nick Sirianni Fires Back at Tush Push Critics to NFL, Sends 6-Word Challenge to Rams to Stop Eagles in Week 3 Showdown
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has been under heavy scrutiny following his team’s Week 2 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, where the now-infamous “tush push” play once again took center stage. The Eagles used the formation to punch in a crucial touchdown during their 20-17 victory in a Super Bowl LIX rematch. But replays showed what many critics called a missed false start — sparking fresh debates across the league.
The NFL responded by instructing officials to review plays like the tush push more closely, adding extra emphasis to ensure every part of the execution is within the rules.
Sirianni, however, remained firm when asked if the heightened attention would change the Eagles’ approach.
“You just address it, and you work on it like you do with every play of playing to the rules of the game,” Sirianni said. “That’s something that we talk about all the time, formationally, snap count-wise, offensively, being onside — all those different things. Defense-wise, being onside, all those different things.”
He doubled down that the coaching won’t change. “So, the same way you do all those things. I know there’s a lot of chatter and hype about the play, but we’re coaching it the same way we always coach it, and we know we have to be right, not only on that play, but with all our plays.”
Sirianni also opened up about his evolving relationship with referees, recognizing the pressure they face in high-stakes moments.
“I really respect how hard their job is and the job that they have to do. And nobody’s high-fiving a referee after a play or whatever it is and saying, ‘Great, cool.’ I guess maybe sometimes if you’re on the benefit of it. But they have a really hard job.”
He admitted his emotions often boil over on the sideline but emphasized his growing understanding of officials. “Obviously, I’m emotional on the sideline. And I think throughout the years, I’ve come to understand more and more how hard their job is. They’re not getting any love or anything like that. So that doesn’t mean like in the heat of the moment, there’s not an argument about a call.”
Looking ahead, Sirianni made it clear the Eagles won’t back down from their trademark play, issuing a subtle warning to their Week 3 opponents, the Los Angeles Rams. With both teams entering undefeated, the spotlight will be brighter than ever.
“We’re going to keep doing what we do. If defenses want to stop it, then they’ll have to find a way. We’re not changing who we are just because people don’t like it.”
As the NFL continues to debate the future of the tush push, Sirianni and the Eagles appear more than ready to lean into their identity — and dare the Rams to stop them.
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