NFL owners are expected to ban the Philadelphia Eagles’ signature “Tush Push” at Wednesday’s league meeting despite the Super Bowl Champions’ best efforts to protect the play.
The proposal, originally submitted by the Green Bay Packers on April 1, brings to conclusions in one of the most controversial plays the league has ever seen.
The NFL’s Competition and Safety Committee recommends a ban on the league, and it expects owners to follow the vote to ban Tush Push.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has argued that Tashpush does not belong to football because of “rugby-like qualities,” and some of his peers have argued that it is too risky for injury.
Meanwhile, Atlanta Falcons CEO Rich McKay, chairman of the NFL’s competition committee, said there is no evidence in the league that play puts players’ safety at stake.
What is a tash push?
“Tush Push,” also known as the quarterback sneak, is usually a running back and tight end when the quarterback advances through the defensive line by a player behind him.
It is used in short yards and goal line situations and has a very high success rate. Rugby scrum is likened to it.
The 2024 season saw a change in rules. This means that the player pushing the quarterback will stand behind him at least one yard, with a higher risk of immediate pushing and injury.
Why are the Eagles so good at pushing tash?
Eagles head coach Nick Cirianni called the proposed ban “unfair” because his team was the best they could do that in the NFL, and so it was just happening.
Philadelphia has run 122 quarterbacks since 2022 in a one-yard to go situation, according to Trumedia data.
In that range, the Eagles scored 30 touchdowns and scored their first down of 105. At one point, the team brought in former Scottish rugby player Richie Gray and advised them on how to make the most of the way they use the play.
Their play is designed for quarterback Jalen Hurts to head behind left tackle Jordan Mailata (365 pounds) and left guard Landon Dickerson (332 pounds).
Alongside the 303 pound Philadelphia center cum jurgen, it’s a very difficult combination to stop. The Eagles were 39 out of 48. They either converted a tash push into a touchdown or changed the first down of last season, including the postseason.
The Eagles will open their 2025 season against the Dallas Cowboys in Thursday night football in September.
Watch: Overhead view of Philadelphia Eyegle Stash Push
Overhead view of @eagles Tush Push👌 pic.twitter.com/wuovemxorj
– nfl uk & ireland (@nflukire) January 26, 2025
