In 2025, should the Ravens play more of their own “Brotherly Shove” games?

The “Brotherly Shove” is a term that became iconic during the 2022-2023 NFL season, primarily coined in reference to the Philadelphia Eagles’ unique and highly effective quarterback sneak play led by Jalen Hurts. This play, which involves a short-yardage situation where Hurts is pushed by his offensive line and sometimes even his tight ends and fullbacks, has proven to be nearly unstoppable in short-yardage scenarios. The move is simple in theory but remarkably effective in practice. Its success has left many wondering: should other teams, especially the Baltimore Ravens, implement a similar strategy into their own offense, particularly in the 2025 season?

Understanding the “Brotherly Shove”

Before diving into whether the Ravens should incorporate a similar strategy into their game plans, it’s important to first understand the mechanics and impact of the “Brotherly Shove.” The play is essentially a quarterback sneak on steroids. When the Eagles face a 3rd-and-1 or 4th-and-1 situation, Jalen Hurts lines up behind center, and the offensive line essentially forms a wall of protection. As Hurts takes the snap, his offensive linemen, along with any other players nearby, push him forward, gaining minimal yards, but doing so with incredible efficiency. The “shove” element—where other players help propel Hurts forward—turns this short-yardage play into a nearly guaranteed conversion.

What sets the “Brotherly Shove” apart is how difficult it is to stop. While traditional quarterback sneaks or power runs can be stymied by a stout defensive line, the Eagles’ use of additional pushing from teammates adds an extra layer of momentum. As a result, the play is often converted at an astonishing rate, with the Eagles converting over 90% of their attempts in key moments during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The success of the “Brotherly Shove” isn’t just limited to the sheer power of the push; it’s also rooted in the technicality of the play. The linemen form a cohesive wall, ensuring that Hurts has a clear lane to power through. It’s a simple, direct, yet extremely difficult play to stop when executed properly. In short-yardage situations, it is borderline unstoppable.

The Ravens’ Run-Heavy Identity and Potential for the “Shove”

The Ravens are known for their commitment to the run game, which is largely centered around quarterback Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat abilities. Jackson, who’s one of the most explosive and dynamic runners at the quarterback position in NFL history, has often been the focal point of the Ravens’ ground attack. In recent years, the Ravens have also featured a potent rushing game, with a stable of talented running backs like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. The team’s offensive identity has often been built around ball control, option runs, and read-option plays designed to keep defenses on their toes.

In terms of power running, the Ravens have been no strangers to using fullbacks and tight ends to create mismatches in short-yardage situations. However, the question of whether they should implement a play similar to the “Brotherly Shove” has sparked debate in the offseason, particularly in the wake of the Ravens’ shift towards a more balanced, pass-oriented offense under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. While Monken’s system promises to modernize the Ravens’ attack, it’s likely that the team will still want to keep their ground game as a core component of their identity.

So, should the Ravens embrace a “Brotherly Shove”-like play in 2025? The answer, when broken down, depends on several factors: personnel, scheme, and the evolving landscape of short-yardage football.

Personality of Lamar Jackson: The Perfect Candidate for the Shove?

The most obvious factor when considering a potential “Brotherly Shove” play for the Ravens is Lamar Jackson himself. Jackson is not just an elite passer but also an elite runner. His ability to break off big runs, make quick decisions, and change the direction of the play on a dime has already been central to the Ravens’ offense. In theory, Jackson could become an even more potent weapon in short-yardage situations if the team were to employ a version of the “Brotherly Shove.”

A key component of the play is the quarterback’s ability to push forward with the help of his teammates. While the success of the “Brotherly Shove” has largely been credited to Hurts’ ability to barrel forward with strength, Jackson’s low center of gravity, combined with his strong legs, could make him just as effective in such situations. Moreover, Jackson is a physical player—one not afraid to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yards—so the idea of him in a quarterback sneak with added help from his teammates could work seamlessly.

The main advantage Jackson would bring to this variation of the play is his agility. While Hurts is a power runner, Jackson has a unique ability to wiggle through tight spaces, making him an even more difficult target for defenses. The combination of Jackson’s vision and speed, paired with the support of his offensive line and tight ends, could make the “Brotherly Shove” even more dynamic and difficult to stop.

But beyond Jackson’s physical attributes, there’s the mental component. Jackson’s comfort in reading defenses and making split-second decisions could make him particularly effective in a short-yardage play where a quick burst and a decisive action are crucial. Jackson has displayed incredible poise under pressure, and having the ability to make the right call on a “shove” could elevate the Ravens’ success rate in such scenarios.

Personnel: Who Would Support Jackson in the Shove?

While Lamar Jackson’s ability to execute a “Brotherly Shove”-style play is one part of the equation, the other key factor is the offensive line’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage. For the Ravens to succeed in this type of play, the front five must have the strength, cohesion, and technique to form the pushing wall that allows Jackson to move forward.

The Ravens’ offensive line has, over the years, been known for its physicality and run-blocking prowess. Under the leadership of veteran players like Ronnie Stanley (LT) and Tyler Linderbaum (C), the Ravens already have the foundation in place to execute a power running game. Stanley is a massive and skilled left tackle who has consistently been a force in both the run game and pass protection. Linderbaum, who was drafted as a center to excel in both run blocking and pass protection, could be the key piece in helping to implement a push-sneak play.

However, the success of the “Brotherly Shove” relies on more than just power—it requires precision. The players surrounding Jackson must not only engage defenders but also work together to push him forward in a synchronized manner. The offensive line’s communication and chemistry will be key to making this play successful. The Ravens have historically had one of the league’s best run-blocking units, so it’s reasonable to assume that they could seamlessly incorporate this style of quarterback sneak if they choose to.

The role of tight ends and fullbacks would also be critical. The Ravens have tight ends like Mark Andrews, who could line up as additional blockers to push Jackson forward. The use of fullbacks, such as Patrick Ricard, would also be pivotal in clearing the path for Jackson. Ricard is one of the NFL’s most talented fullbacks, and his ability to both block and gain yardage as a ball-carrier makes him a perfect fit for a power-running play like the “Brotherly Shove.”

Scheme Considerations: Integrating the Shove into the Ravens’ Offense

Todd Monken, the Ravens’ new offensive coordinator in 2025, brings a modern, high-tempo approach to the offense. His background in spreading the field with multiple receiver sets and his penchant for deep passing schemes suggest a more pass-oriented offense compared to past years. However, even with these changes, it’s likely that Monken will retain a strong commitment to the run game, especially in short-yardage situations.

Integrating a “Brotherly Shove” style of play into the Ravens’ system would be a natural evolution of their power-running game. It doesn’t require wholesale changes to the offensive philosophy—it just requires subtle adaptations. The Ravens could continue to run traditional quarterback sneaks or read-option plays, but adding an extra layer of pushing power would increase the chances of success in short-yardage situations.

Furthermore, utilizing the “Brotherly Shove” would have a trickle-down effect on the rest of the Ravens’ offense. If the team successfully converts more third- and fourth-and-short situations, they would keep drives alive and wear down opposing defenses. This could lead to more time of possession, setting up the Ravens for longer drives that mix both passing and running, wearing down tired defenses.

 Should the Ravens Adopt the “Brotherly Shove” in 2025?

Given the combination of Lamar Jackson’s unique skill set, the physicality of the Ravens’ offensive line, and their historical success with power running, adopting a version of the “Brotherly Shove” would seem like a smart move for Baltimore in 2025. While the play is most associated with the Eagles, it’s a tactic that could be just as effective for the Ravens, particularly given their personnel. With Jackson’s vision, agility, and decision-making, along with a line that’s capable of dominating in short-yardage situations, the Ravens could become nearly unstoppable on 3rd-and-1 or 4th-and-1 plays.

In a league that increasingly values efficiency in key moments, adopting a power-running tactic like the “Brotherly Shove” could give the Ravens an edge—especially as they look to become more well-rounded under Monken’s system. If

Jackson’s development as a passer continues to evolve and the team remains committed to the run game, the “Brotherly Shove” could be just one more weapon in their offensive arsenal.

So yes, in 2025, the Ravens should absolutely consider playing more of their own version of the “Brotherly Shove” games. It could make all the difference in keeping drives alive, securing crucial first downs, and ultimately pushing the Ravens toward their Super Bowl aspirations.