The NFL offseason is buzzing with activity, and at the heart of it all is a play that’s become the talk of the league: the infamous tush push. While the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t invent this short-yardage maneuver, they have certainly perfected it, much to the chagrin of their competitors. In the midst of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where teams are evaluating the next generation of talent, the Packers have taken a stand, proposing a ban on this play.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed their stance, which is shared by several other teams who argue that the tush push should be eliminated from the game. The league’s Annual Meetings, set for March 30 to April 2, will see owners deliberating and voting on proposed changes. For a new rule to take effect, a hefty majority of 24 out of 32 owners must be in favor.
Despite the mounting criticism of the tush push, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the Eagles aren’t violating any rules; they’ve simply become adept at executing a play that’s a testament to their personnel and meticulous preparation. Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy weighed in after his team’s playoff exit, labeling the play as lacking skill and almost an automatic first down for short-yardage situations.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t hold back during the combine, defending the play and the hard work his team puts into it. “It’s a little insulting to say we’re good at it so it’s automatic,” he remarked, emphasizing the effort and skill his players bring to the execution of the play. The Eagles, with a supremely talented offensive line and running back and quarterback who can squat a staggering 600 pounds, have tailored their offense to exploit their strengths, routinely converting in critical moments.
Despite the banter, teams have voiced their concerns regarding the play’s potential for injury and its overall unattractiveness. But here’s the flip side: if the Eagles aren’t breaking any rules, why not find a way to stop the play rather than trying to eliminate it entirely? Resistance to the tush push isn’t merely about its effectiveness; it’s also about how well the Eagles have mastered it.
In fact, over the past three seasons, the Eagles have relied heavily on the tush push, converting an impressive 81% of their attempts—39 out of 48—during the 2024 season and playoffs. Other teams, such as the Buffalo Bills, have also utilized variations of the play, recording a success rate of 78.4% on quarterback sneaks. The Baltimore Ravens even put their own twist on the tush push by involving a tight end in the process instead of relying solely on the quarterback.
While some teams have found moments of success with quarterback sneaks, the Eagles’ extensive use of the tush push raises a vital question: Why should they face penalties for excelling at a specific tactic? If the tush push is deemed off-limits, should it extend to all quarterback sneaks?
Importantly, the Eagles haven’t suffered significant injuries from their frequent use of the tush push. Contrary to prevailing concerns, evidence shows that defenses haven’t been substantially affected either, which suggests safety arguments may be less compelling than they seem.
While some critics argue that the play isn’t visually appealing, we must consider that many conventional football tactics lack excitement as well. The argument against the tush push seems to stem more from frustration than from grounded reasoning.
As the talk of a potential ban grows louder, it remains to be seen whether the NFL will take steps to limit or legalize variations of the tush push. Regardless of any rule changes, the Eagles will likely continue to find ways to thrive in short-yardage situations, equipped with a potent lineup and an offensive strategy that plays to their strengths. Whether you love it or hate it, the tush push is here to stay—at least for now.
