At the NFL’s annual league meeting on Monday, AFC coaches were inundated with questions about a proposed rule change that could ban the controversial “tush push” quarterback sneak.
Among those asked about the play was Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who stopped short of calling for its removal but acknowledged that player safety should be a priority.
“Yeah, I don’t know, you can argue it either way. I’ve felt like it’s a successful play,” Reid said. “If there’s a problem with injury, possible injury, you’ve got to look at it. So, I would listen, probably, to the medical people on it, see what they think about the body mechanics.
“You don’t want to go through something like Buffalo went through – if it’s a neck situation, it’s going to be a risk. I think you have to listen to the whole story.”
The “tush push,” made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles, involves multiple players forcefully pushing the quarterback forward on short-yardage situations.
While some see it as an innovative strategy, others argue it creates an unfair advantage for the offense – especially since defensive players are not allowed to push teammates in a similar fashion.
“I’ve listened to that,” Reid continued. “Listen, if it’s an injury concern, then that’s what you have to do. So, you listen to your medical people, see what their thought is, probably go that direction.”
Reid acknowledged this argument but reiterated that player safety should be the primary focus. Ultimately, Reid emphasized that any decision on the rule should be driven by medical experts rather than competitive fairness.
“There’s a whole medical side of it,” Reid continued. “I give them credit because they’ve done a heck of a job with it. Tough play to stop. But, then you’re listening to that and the medical side and you probably could go either way with it.
“But I would say, if it’s putting a player in a bad position, then you probably have to do something about it. But if it’s not, it’s a heck of a play.”
As the debate continues, the league’s competition committee will determine whether the rule change has enough support to pass. A final decision could come in the coming days.
What are your thoughts on the controversial “tush push?”
Are you in favor of banning it? … Or do you think it should be fair game, and those who don’t like it should just figure out a way to stop it on the field???
