The Philadelphia Eagles are making a strong case to keep the “tush push” play in the NFL playbook, a maneuver that faces a potential ban following a proposal from the Green Bay Packers. As the NFL owners convene for discussions in Minneapolis, the Eagles have been proactive, reaching out to teams across the league to highlight why this play should remain part of the game.
So, what exactly is the “tush push”? It’s a play where the quarterback takes a snap under center and then surges forward, powered by teammates who push him from behind, reminiscent of a rugby scrum. The Packers’ proposal seeks to change the rule language to prohibit any offensive player from pushing, pulling, lifting, or otherwise assisting the runner, limiting support strictly to blocking opponents. The rationale behind this proposal echoes concerns about “player safety” and the potential impact on “pace of play.”
During last month’s annual league meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, the conversation around the possibility of banning this short-yardage tactic was tabled. While there was no formal vote, an informal tally indicated a split among teams at 16-16. For the Packers’ proposal to succeed, they would need the support of 24 teams—a tall order that reflects the divisive nature of the discussion at hand.
Rich McKay, the chair of the NFL competition committee, emphasized the league’s careful consideration of changes that could disproportionately impact just one or two teams. The dialogue surrounding the tush push involved not just safety debates but also broader considerations about the play’s place in the sport’s history and its traditional elements. “There are definaitely some people that have health and safety concerns, but there’s just as many people that have football concerns,” McKay pointed out. The discussions highlighted the aesthetic nature of the play and questioned whether it aligns with the traditional essence of football or if it leans more toward being a rugby tactic.
The Eagles have incorporated the tush push into their game plan since Doug Pederson’s tenure began in 2016, and they’ve continued its usage seamlessly under Nick Sirianni. Former center Jason Kelce noted the play’s rising profile in recent seasons, thanks in large part to Jalen Hurts’ electrifying performances. Notably, even other teams, like the Buffalo Bills, have adapted their own variations of this play, illustrating its growing influence and strategic significance in the league.
With the NFL landscape always evolving, the outcome of this debate could have lasting implications not just for the Eagles, but for teams across the league looking to gain an edge in those critical short-yardage situations.
