The Philadelphia Eagles’ controversial short-yardage play known as the “tush push” took center stage during the NFL’s annual league meeting this week. Though it earned the Eagles considerable acclaim—in particular, during their Super Bowl LII championship run in the 2024 season. In reaction, the NFL came out with its own proposal to ban the play, intending to defang the proposal and talk about it more.
The tush push play has proven to be a formidable tactic for the Eagles, leading to 11 touchdowns and 32 first downs during their successful Super Bowl campaign. In the previous three seasons, the Eagles have perfected the play to the point that it’s become almost unfathomable to stop. In the wake of overwhelming public opposition, they returned the play for the 2024 season. That risk certainly paid off, as they made 27 touchdowns and an incredible 92 first downs.
The proposal to ban the tush push came from the Green Bay Packers, who claimed that it endangered the health of players. The Packers’ proposal, which received backing from 16 NFL teams, specifically targets the Eagles’ technique by prohibiting an offensive player from pushing a teammate who is lined up directly behind the snapper when receiving the snap.
Though a ban was heavily lobbied for, NFL health and safety officials investigated the matter extensively. He said they were unable to find any injury data that connected the tush push play to any serious injuries. NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills spoke to the dangers of the mechanics of the play and how they can result in injuries. He noted there’s no evidence that it should be banned.
At the linked league meeting, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said that. He pointed to the buzz created by the artistic expression.
“It was really cool to hear some people talk about it this week and what they think of it, the excitement it brings to the game.” – Nick Sirianni
Though the Eagles have had the most prominent success with this play, they weren’t the only team to start using it last season. The Buffalo Bills have quickly followed the Eagles into the league’s most common regular-season play. As a duo, they converted 65 of the league-leading 101 tush push attempts in 2024.
Rich McKay, an influential figure in NFL operations, expressed his discomfort regarding proposals that seem to specifically target individual teams.
“I think No. 1, I’m going to go back to what I said the other day, which is you’d never like any discussion in any room to be projected towards a team or two. It’s never something we’ve ever liked doing.” – Rich McKay
The tush push has become a hot topic of debate. So-called NFL owners will be forced to consider this topic again at their spring meeting in May 2024. This decision reflects a commitment to thoroughly evaluate the implications of banning such a significant play while considering player safety.
Leave a Reply