In Indianapolis, discussions are underway about a controversial play in the NFL that one team wants to see banned. This play, commonly referred to as the “tush push,” has gained notoriety due to its effective use by the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly during short-yardage situations. During their recent victory in Super Bowl 59 against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles showcased the play, which involves quarterback Jalen Hurts being propelled forward by teammates to secure crucial yards.
Recently, it was reported by NFL Network and the Washington Post that a team has formally proposed a ban on this play. NFL executive Troy Vincent mentioned this on Monday but did not specify which team submitted the proposal. The decision on this matter may be put to a vote when NFL owners gather for their meeting in Florida next month.
The “tush push” has become a key part of the Eagles’ playbook, posing a significant challenge for opposing defenses. A memorable instance of its impact can be seen in their match against Washington during the NFC championship game, where repeated offsides by the Commanders nearly led to a penalty touchdown for Philadelphia.
Mark Murphy, the president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, openly criticized the play, deeming it detrimental to the integrity of the game. In a message to fans, he argued that it lacks skill and turns short-yardage plays into almost guaranteed first downs. He expressed a desire for the league to ban any form of pushing or assistance in rushing plays.
Sean McDermott, the head coach of the Buffalo Bills and part of the NFL’s competition committee, echoed some concerns regarding player safety. Speaking from the NFL scouting combine, McDermott highlighted worries about the techniques involved in executing the play. Despite Buffalo using a similar strategy at times, McDermott emphasized that a safety review is necessary, although he stopped short of explicitly supporting rule changes.
The fate of the “tush push” remains uncertain, as deliberations continue among league stakeholders. While the Bills found some success with a variant of the play, it notably fell short during a crucial fourth-and-1 situation in their AFC championship game loss to Kansas City. The dialogue surrounding this tactic reflects ongoing debates about the balance between strategic innovation and traditional football values.
