It seems as if detractors of the Philadelphia Eagles’ most unstoppable offensive weapon are going to get their want. The potential for banning the “Tush Push” has been on the desk for the reason that finish of the NFL season, and now it’s drawing nearer to a actuality.
A vote from NFL house owners will come subsequent week on whether or not or to not ban the controversial play, with Dianna Russini of The Athletic saying that there’s now momentum behind banning the play. The primary push to ban the play got here from the Inexperienced Bay Packers, however there had been whispers about frustration over the play brewing for a number of years — peaking this final season because the Buffalo Payments added the Tush Push to their repertoire as properly.
It makes for an especially awkward state of affairs. Is it that the Tush Push needs to be banned as a result of it’s inherently unhealthy for soccer? Or is that this bitter grapes from groups who’ve been overwhelmed by the play, whereas missing the personnel to drag it off themselves? It’s this query Atlanta Falcons CEO Wealthy McKay is grappling with. McKay additionally serves on the NFL’s competitors committee as its longest tenured member, and spoke to Yahoo Sports activities in regards to the upcoming determination.
“The factor that no one likes about this dialogue that we’re having … is the concept that the rule is directed in the direction of two groups,” McKay, who’s additionally the Atlanta Falcons’ CEO, mentioned Tuesday over Zoom. “We’ve had many guidelines through the years that are available about some play or some tactic or one thing that was simply by no means contemplated, that hastily is launched and there’s a rule put as much as say possibly we shouldn’t have that tactic or that play.”
A tush push ban can be a focused blow to the Eagles and Payments who used the play extra occasions in 2024 than the opposite 30 groups mixed. It raises critical questions on whether or not that is the type of play the NFL Competitors Committee have to become involved in in any respect — however there may be additionally a threat that the play might essentially alter how soccer is schemed, and the way rosters are created.
The center of the Tush Push comes from a powerful inside offensive line, from there it’s about utilizing two gamers behind the quarterback to bodily push him by the pile to realize yardage on brief down conditions, or rating on the objective line. It’s a easy idea, however as a complete groups across the league have struggled to emulate the success of both the Eagles or Payments. That is largely attributable to Philadelphia having the offensive line energy to squeeze Jalen Hurts by the pile, whereas Buffalo is ready to make the most of Josh Allen’s energy and dimension as a ball service to make it work.
We’ll know extra subsequent week, nevertheless it definitely looks like the play goes to be banned.
