The debate over the legality of the Philadelphia Eagles’ “Tush Push” play has once again emerged as NFL officials gather for the league’s annual scouting combine. The controversial short-yardage play involves quarterback Jalen Hurts being pushed from behind by his teammates in a move resembling a rugby-style scrum.
While the Eagles have seen great success with this play, converting 39 out of 48 attempts for first downs or touchdowns during the 2024 season, including postseason games, some teams are pushing for it to be banned.
The Green Bay Packers have made the discussion official by submitting a proposal to the league’s competition committee to outlaw the play. NFL owners could vote on this proposal in the coming weeks.
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn responded to the proposal with a scoff, emphasizing that until a decision is made, his team’s focus remains on finding ways to stop the play, which remains an ongoing challenge for many defenses.
The push to ban the play could stem from some old-fashioned jealousy, as the Eagles are now the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Packers, who were eliminated in the first round of the NFC playoffs by the Eagles, may have their own reasons for targeting this play.
Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris also weighed in during a recent interview, calling the Tush Push “illegal” and expressing his dislike for it. He pointed out that no other play in the game allows players to push or pull their teammates in the same way, questioning why such a move is legal.
While the controversy has been ongoing for years, the competition committee has not prioritized the play until now. NFL executive Troy Vincent explained that the committee had been focused on other matters until the Packers’ proposal brought the issue back to the forefront. Now, the committee must consider whether the play poses an injury risk, something that has been a concern for many coaches and officials.
Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott voiced his concerns about the potential risks to player health, particularly when players are in vulnerable positions during the play. However, Vincent clarified that there is no injury data to support the argument for banning the play, noting that no injuries have been reported as a result of the Tush Push. Still, the optics of the play, including the pressure it places on the neck and back, have raised concerns.
Vincent acknowledged that there are risks involved, particularly in short-yardage situations where bodies collide. While some defensive teams have experimented with different ways to counter the play, Vincent emphasized that there are only so many ways to stop it. Teams like Washington have tried to counter the Tush Push by using linebackers to jump over the offensive line, but these attempts have not always been successful, leading to further injury risks.
Despite the debate, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni defended the play, pointing out that it’s not as simple as it may appear. He argued that the team works incredibly hard to perfect the timing and execution of the play, making it a valuable part of their strategy. Sirianni was frustrated by the suggestion that the play is just an automatic success due to their proficiency, emphasizing the effort and talent required to make it work consistently.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles also weighed in, noting that while the play may have safety concerns due to its rugby-style nature, he doesn’t see a need for a new rule. Instead, he believes it’s up to defensive coaches to get creative and find ways to stop the play. Bowles praised the Eagles for finding a niche and gaining an edge through their successful execution of the Tush Push, and he encouraged other teams to develop their own strategies to counter it.
While some coaches and officials continue to question the play, it’s clear that the Tush Push is here to stay—for now. The discussion surrounding its legality will continue, but it’s up to teams to figure out how to stop it. Until then, the Eagles will keep using the play to their advantage as they look to defend their Super Bowl title.
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