As NFL training camps gear up, the offseason chatter is winding down, leaving us with one compelling debate: the notorious “tush push.” This play, nearing perfection at the hands of the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, has been a fiery topic of discussion. Known for its high success rate, this maneuver has not only caught attention for its novelty but also for its effectiveness on the field.
Now, while the Eagles are the stars of the tush push narrative, they aren’t the lone rangers utilizing this play. However, with the Green Bay Packers submitting a proposal to ban it, all eyes were on the outcome at the annual owners’ meetings. This controversial vote came within a whisker of success, missing the mark by just two votes, and allowing the play to continue its reign on the gridiron.
The defense for keeping the tush push was fervently championed by Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie. At the forefront of the meetings, Lurie reportedly gave an impassioned defense of the play’s place in football, backed by longtime Eagles center and Philadelphia legend, Jason Kelce.
Amidst the diverse opinions, one prominent voice in support of the play is Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the NFL’s 2024 MVP. Allen, never one to shy from speaking his mind, shared his perspective with SI.com, highlighting a core sporting principle: if a play is working and can’t be countered, it’s fair game. According to Allen, some teams execute the tush push better than others. However, he expressed skepticism toward the belief that the play is inherently unfootball-like or unsafe, arguing there’s no concrete evidence suggesting it causes more injuries than any other play.
Emphasizing adaptability, Allen reminded us, “I try to play the game based on the interpretation of the rules. If you can use it to your benefit, use it. If you don’t like it, my advice is to stop it.”
In a twist of irony, the Bills, who voted for the ban, have successfully integrated the tush push into their own strategy, albeit not as extensively as their Philadelphia counterparts. As Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys owner, noted, the Eagles’ divisional success with the play certainly influenced his vote to level the competitive playing field.
Bottom line? Unless the rules change, teams should either master the play or find a way to counteract it. The strategic challenge presented by the tush push is the essence of competitive sportsmanship, serving as a litmus test for innovation and adaptability on the field. If the play isn’t broken, maybe it doesn’t need fixing – just yet.
