Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald Reveals Plan to Counter Philadelphia Eagles 'Tush Push'
The Philadelphia Eagles' main headline after an undefeated four weeks revolves around numerous one-yard gains by quarterback Jalen Hurts. This third/fourth-and-inches play has become known as the "Tush-Push," but because Philadelphia revolutionized it, it's also been called the "Brotherly Shove."
The Eagles' Pro Bowl-riddled offensive line is the catalyst in giving Hurts the space to rush a couple of steps forward, and they haven't faced a defensive line that's been able to stop the move yet.
Philadelphia's next opposing front seven features perhaps the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history—Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year believes the Eagles offensive line is "a good group that plays well together," and revealed his plan to counter the all but unstoppable "Tush Push."
“You got to be stout in the middle," Donald said during Thursday's press conference. "Obviously, the offensive line tries to get as low as you can. I think it all starts from the center—you get under his pads and pop him up and then guys crowd the ball—You can stop it, but it is definitely tough.”
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) and Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99).
Jason Kelce, Philadelphia's center, is one of the best players at his position of the past decade, and his five First-Team All-Pro nods support that claim. The six-time captain will likely be one of Donald's assignments (high possibility of constantly being doubled) for most of the night, especially on the expected couple of "Tush Push" plays.
Before the two future Hall-of-Famers clash, Donald explained what his thought process will be when the "Tush Push" is inevitable at the pre-snap.
"Get as low as you can and just get off full speed," Donald said. "That's it. That's it. Make it powerful.”
Donald, 32, has been a major factor in the Rams' surprisingly good 2-2 start after the first quarter of the season, but breaking free from Kelce and numerous double teams on Sunday will be a tall task in shutting down the Eagles.
The seven-time First-Team All-Pro might be one of the only candidates for stopping the viral play the rest of the season. Future Eagles opponents will likely be watching his film to see how he got it done if he does so.
