The Philadelphia Eagles' innovative "tush push" play, which has become a signature move in their offensive arsenal and helped them reach back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, is now under scrutiny. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is reportedly taking steps to eliminate the tactic from the game, citing concerns over its fairness and the difficulty opposing teams have had in countering it.
During critical short-yardage situations, the "tush push" involves the quarterback positioning himself behind the center and then being propelled forward into the end zone with the aid of two additional players. This unconventional strategy has caused significant challenges for defensive units across the league, prompting Goodell to seek a more level playing field, as per reports from The Athletic.
Commissioner's Limited Power
Despite his influential position, Goodell does not possess the unilateral authority to ban a play directly. Instead, any changes to the rules of the game require a majority vote from the NFL's competition committee, followed by approval from the team owners. The competition committee, an eight-person board tasked with overseeing and recommending rule changes, includes representatives from several teams, but notably lacks a member from the Eagles' organization. Among the committee members are Stephen Jones, Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys; John Mara, owner of the New York Giants; and Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders—all representing teams from the NFC East division.
An internal source within the league has indicated that Goodell, who holds no official role on the committee, has been vocal about his stance on the play. Dianna Russini of The Athletic quotes the source: "Though it will all come down to the voting, the most important opinion about the play may come from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. I was told by a league source that Goodell wants to see this play removed from the game permanently."
While other teams have attempted to replicate the Eagles' success with their versions of the "tush push," none have matched the proficiency and undefeated execution demonstrated by the Eagles. Since the start of the 2022 season up until October 18, the Eagles have boasted a remarkable 93.5 percent success rate with the play when quarterback Jalen Hurts is at the helm.
In a candid interview with NBC in October, Eagles' center Jason Kelce acknowledged the physical toll of the "tush push." "All the weight and everything lying on top of you, and you've got to wait for everybody else to get up before you can get up," he explained. "It’s a grueling play, for sure. And, you know, if you do it right, you’re at the bottom. If you’re not at the bottom, it usually didn’t go well."
Despite the acknowledgment of the play's intensity, Kelce and his teammates maintain that the play should remain legal. They argue that the "tush push" is merely a strategic variation of the classic quarterback sneak play.
Concerns Over Unbeatable Strategy
The impetus behind Goodell's push to ban the "tush push" extends beyond the immediate on-field dynamics. While injuries associated with the play are rare, there are apprehensions about its seemingly unbeatable nature. Precedents exist in other contact sports where dominant strategies have been curtailed to preserve competitive balance. A historical example is found in Australian rugby league, where the St. George Dragons' 11-year championship reign, achieved through unlimited tackle rugby, came to an end following the introduction of tackle restrictions. This change illustrates how rule adjustments can significantly influence the outcome of sporting competitions.
The Eagles, for their part, are expected to lobby against the proposed ban, arguing that their success with the "tush push" stems from superior coaching and player skill rather than an inherent unfair advantage. They contend that it should be the responsibility of opposing teams' coaches to devise effective counter-strategies, not the intervention of the league's commissioner, to neutralize their successful play.
As the debate continues, the football community awaits the decision of the competition committee and the team owners. The outcome will determine whether the "tush push" remains a viable play in the NFL or becomes a part of football history as a once-undefeated, now-outlawed strategy.