The Philadelphia Eagles are currently on a mission to protect the highly debated “tush push” play, which is facing potential prohibition thanks to a proposal from the Green Bay Packers. As the NFL owners gather for a crucial vote in Minneapolis this week, the Eagles are proactively reaching out to other teams to articulate their reasons for why this play should remain legal, according to league sources.
The “tush push” involves the quarterback (QB) taking a snap under center and then diving forward while teammates push him from behind, creating a rugby-like scrum. This strategy has become a staple for the Eagles, particularly under the guidance of head coach Doug Pederson since 2016 and now with Nick Sirianni at the helm. The effectiveness of this play has been magnified by the skill of quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has executed it with remarkable success.
The Packers’ proposal aims to introduce new language into the rulebook that would restrict offensive players from assisting a runner in certain situations. Specifically, the proposal seeks to ban “interlocking interference” and prevent an offensive player from pushing a teammate who is directly behind the snapper and receives the snap immediately. The Packers have cited “player safety” and “pace of play” as primary reasons for this proposed rule change.
At the previous NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, the vote on whether to ban this short-yardage play was tabled. While no official vote was conducted, an informal poll indicated that teams were evenly split, with a 16-16 tie on the issue. For the Packers’ proposal to pass, a supermajority of 24 teams must vote in favor of banning the play.
Rich McKay, chair of the NFL competition committee, emphasized the league’s caution regarding rule changes that target specific teams. He noted that discussions surrounding the proposal were rooted in both safety concerns and the historical context of the game. “There are definitely some people that have health and safety concerns, but there are just as many people who have football concerns,” McKay explained. He added that the discussions were not solely dictated by a singular health and safety video but rather a broader contemplation of the play’s aesthetics and its place in the tradition of football versus rugby.
The Eagles have embraced the “tush push” as a critical part of their offensive strategy, evolving its execution under both Pederson and Sirianni. Former center Jason Kelce has noted the play’s effectiveness and the team’s commitment to it. Furthermore, other teams, such as the Buffalo Bills, have also started utilizing variations of this play, indicating its growing influence in the league.
As the NFL owners meetings approach, the spotlight remains on the “tush push,” with the Eagles advocating for its continuation while the Packers push for its ban. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the strategies employed by teams across the league.
