When it comes to executing the "Brotherly Shove," no team does it quite like the Philadelphia Eagles. While other teams have attempted to emulate their success, the Eagles have mastered this unique play, and it's been a key factor in their undefeated start to the 2023 NFL season.
In their recent 23-14 road win over the Los Angeles Rams, the Eagles utilized the "Brotherly Shove" six times, resulting in four successful conversions. The only two unsuccessful attempts occurred late in the fourth quarter when the game was already decided.
This play has become nearly automatic for the Eagles, contributing to their impressive 43.6% third-down conversion rate and an outstanding 71.4% fourth-down conversion rate entering Week 5. In their victory against the Rams, the Eagles converted an impressive 13 out of 18 third downs.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, the maestro behind the "Brotherly Shove," shared his thoughts on the play's success, stating, "It's something that we have been able to do at a high level. It's clear that it doesn't always work for everybody else. We just want to continue to execute whenever it is called."
So, what makes the "Brotherly Shove" such a successful and unique play?
The Eagles boast a formidable offensive line and a quarterback with exceptional lower body strength. According to Eagles guard Sua Opeta, "The guys up front and Jalen back there driving. He's a strong guy himself, so when he's back there driving behind a strong O-line, you're gonna push for those yards. It's nothing crazy. We're all getting down there. We're firing off the rock. The D-line knows it's coming. It's just who's stronger and who's gonna drive each other back."
One of the most notable "Brotherly Shove" plays occurred just before halftime in the game against the Rams. With two seconds remaining in the first half and the ball on the Rams' one-yard line, the Eagles lined up in an obvious formation for the play. Despite the Rams' awareness of what was coming, Eagles center Jason Kelce snapped the ball to Hurts, who powered his way behind the offensive line for a one-yard touchdown. This play gave Philadelphia a 17-14 halftime lead and showcased the Eagles' confidence in their execution.
The "Brotherly Shove" has not been without controversy. The NFL reviewed the play last offseason, and there are plans to revisit it, including a review of injury data related to the play, during the upcoming offseason. However, for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season, the Eagles intend to continue employing this highly effective strategy.
As Jason Kelce stated, "We are gonna keep doing it as long as they keep letting us do it. I think everybody is complaining about it, so we'll see how long that lasts. But it's won us games, and at this point multiple games."
With a perfect 5-0 record and a mastery of the "Brotherly Shove," the Eagles are proving that sometimes innovation and execution can defy convention in the world of NFL football.