Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has emerged as a vocal supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles’ signature play known as the “tush push.” This nontraditional play, usually run like a quarterback sneak, has created rifts of praise and outrage in the football world. Payton’s endorsement arrives just as the Broncos are set to take on the Eagles this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
The tush push is in the headlines for being so successful it’s raised concern among some league executives. Over the past few seasons, the Eagles have proven to be incredibly effective at running this play, enabling their quarterback, Jalen Hurts, to pick up key yards. In a recent Monday Night Football matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Philadelphia Eagles demonstrated this new strategy to great effect. With just under four minutes left in the third quarter, Hurts spun and pitched the ball to running back Saquon Barkley, who completed a 6-yard touchdown run.
As the Broncos get ready to take on the Eagles, Payton celebrated a recent touchdown. Nichols further promoted it as the poster example of the tush push working to perfection. He knew that, for some viewers, the aesthetics of the play would be a hard sell. It’s not just for show – it serves a very practical purpose on the gridiron.
“Look, it’s a quarterback sneak, and I think credit Philadelphia,” – Sean Payton
Because of the controversial nature of the tush push, the play has resulted in polarized reactions from analysts. ESPN personalities Mike Greenberg and Dan Graziano have taken the play to task, calling it an “abomination.” They argue that its execution undermines traditional football principles and may lead to injuries.
Although the players and coaches railed against the execution of the play, Payton defended his use of the play in the game. He tapped into tradition, referencing the infamous Ice Bowl from the 1967 NFL Championship Game. As Bart Starr famously did in that memorable moment, he dug in, driving through with the support of his fellow linemen.
“The reason I stood up in favor of it is pretty simple, if the powers to be don’t want it for aesthetic reasons or competitive reasons, you know, it’s hard to officiate etcetera … but I’ve been involved in those meetings for a long time when all of a sudden health and safety was pulled into that — which might be the safest play in football — my bulls
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