With the Super Bowl just two days away, the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in what could very well be an instant classic.
While the Chiefs are aiming for a historic three-peat, the Eagles are seeking revenge for their heartbreaking loss in the big game two years ago.
One of the biggest challenges for Kansas City’s defense will be stopping Philadelphia’s nearly unstoppable short-yardage weapon – the Tush Push.
The play, which involves quarterback Jalen Hurts getting a push from behind to convert short-yard situations, has become a defining feature of the Eagles’ offense.
As a matter of fact, it’s so effective that some believe it should be banned from the game altogether.
But for Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith, that argument holds zero weight.
“I think it’ll be tough, but it’s part of the game,” Smith said. “It’s part of football. People do it on us, but they just not successful at it.
“And when people do it, they don’t – it doesn’t look like the way we do it. And so people get upset that’s watching the game, but it’s part of the game.
Smith, known for his relentless style of play, doesn’t just tolerate the Tush Push – he relishes it.
“And I just know that’s… like a guy like me, I’m light, so you would think I wouldn’t want to be down in there, but I bite some kneecaps off, especially when it comes to that. And I I like that play,” he said.
Some critics argue that the Tush Push gives the Eagles an unfair advantage and should be outlawed.
Smith, however, believes that’s just frustration talking – and he’s issuing a challenge to those who think it’s too dominant.
“It’s completely out of proportion,” Smith said of the idea that the play should be banned. “And I say, if you think it should be banned, you come do it against me.
“And I’ll show you how I stand you up right and then do it against Lane [Johnson] and I’ll show you how he’ll push you all the way to the five, more than just one yard.”
While there’s no guarantee the Tush Push will be banned in the future, it will undoubtedly be a part of the Eagles’ game plan this Sunday.
If Philadelphia finds itself in a crucial short-yardage situation, expect them to lean on the play that has rarely failed them.
Having said that, you know damn well that Chris Jones and the Chiefs will be ready for it. The question is, can they actually stop it?
What are your thoughts on the Tush Push? … Should it be banned?
More importantly, what’s your prediction for the game on Sunday???
