The Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills have mastered a controversial play, known as the "tush push," achieving an impressive 87% success rate in either scoring touchdowns or securing first downs. This efficiency starkly contrasts with the rest of the NFL, which has managed only a 71% success rate using the same tactic. The play has sparked discussions within the NFL, with potential rule changes looming as owners prepare to vote on a proposal to ban the maneuver at the upcoming annual league meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
Despite being scrutinized by the NFL and its competition committee in previous offseasons, no action has been taken against the play until now. The Green Bay Packers, led by General Manager Brian Gutekunst, have submitted a proposal to eliminate the tush push, although the proposing team retains the right to withdraw it at any time. For the rule change to be enacted, 24 of the NFL's 32 team owners must vote in favor.
The Eagles have notably utilized the tush push 108 times since 2022, nearly doubling the attempts of the next-closest team, the Bills, who have run it 55 times. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have executed just 16 of these plays. Outgoing Packers president Mark Murphy labeled the play as "bad for the game," adding fuel to the ongoing debate.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has been vocal in defending the play. He emphasized the effort and skill involved in executing it successfully.
"I can't tell you how many times we've practiced the snap, we've practiced the play — it's not a play that's easy to practice, so there's different ways we've figured out how to practice it — the complements that come off of it that can create explosive plays" – Nick Sirianni
Sirianni further dismissed criticisms suggesting that their success with the play is automatic.
"The fact that it's [portrayed] as an automatic thing, we work really hard, and our guys are talented at this play, and so it's a little insulting to say we're good at it so it's automatic. We work really hard at it" – Nick Sirianni
Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott, who serves on the NFL's competition committee, pointed out potential injury risks associated with the tush push.
"there's always been an injury risk with that play" – Sean McDermott
Sirianni countered this claim, arguing that injury concerns have been exaggerated.
"I think if you look at that, because we've looked into that, too, there wasn't a lot of injuries there. I think that's a little made up, to be honest" – Nick Sirianni
Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed support for banning the play, highlighting differing opinions within the league.
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