Tush Push: is the Eagles’ controversial strategy getting banned?

The Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts are having a fabulous season this year after losing the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs last season. They are the only team this year to have only one defeat, prompting prominent NFL personalities like Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to be frustrated with their consistent success.

The Eagles are now proudly sitting atop the NFC East with a whopping 10-1 record. One of the major forces behind the team’s success has been their unique and innovative strategy, “Tush Push.” However, the recent update says the play is going to vanish from the league soon.

Is “Tush Push” getting banned?

Innovative plays often face scrutiny, especially when they border on the line of contentiousness. The Eagles’ “Brotherly Shove” or “Tush Push” has also stirred intense debate within the NFL.

Dianna Russini’s report for The Athletic shed light on the escalating discourse surrounding this particular play. The play, in some circles, has sparked considerable controversy, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressing a desire to permanently remove it from the game.

“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,” said Dianna Russini per Bleacher Report.

The composition of the competition committee further fuels the debate. The presence of three NFC East rivals on the committee, namely John Mara (New York Giants), Stephen Jones (Dallas Cowboys), and Ron Rivera (Washington Commanders), raises questions about impartiality regarding the potential decision on the “Brotherly Shove.”

The absence of any Eagles representative in this committee intensifies concerns about bias in evaluating the play’s future.

“It’s apparent this is going to be heavily debated among the competition committee made up of owners, general managers and coaches..It’s important to note that there isn’t a single person from the Eagles organization on the competition committee. However, three of their divisional opponents are represented: New York Giants owner John Mara, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones and Washington head coach Ron Rivera.”

While player safety remains a primary concern in NFL discussions, Russini’s report introduces an unexpected twist: the focal point of the dialogue isn’t primarily centered on injuries. Contrary to assumptions, injuries have not been as prevalent despite the physical nature of the “Tush Push.” Instead, the primary focus seems to be on the optics and perceived impact of the play.

Why is “Tush Push” controversial?

“Tush push,” a strategic maneuver where the Eagles’ offensive line collectively propels their QB Jalen Hurts forward during short-yardage situations, has boasted an astonishing success rate over the years. However, its success is shrouded in a veil of criticism, which drew attention not only for its effectiveness but also for the potential risks it imposes on player safety.

Critics argue that “Tush Push” flies in the face of traditional football values and poses significant dangers due to the physicality and frequency of resulting pile-ups. Executing it demands an immense display of strength from the offensive line, nuanced positioning to counter defensive strategies, and a QB with both willingness and acceleration to plunge into the fray.

Notable figures within the league have taken contrasting stances regarding the play. NFL analyst Joe Schad dismisses the play as illegitimate and potentially injurious, expressing a belief that only Eagles fans would miss it once banned. In contrast, Cowboys owner Jones openly supported the play, saying he was “all for it.”

However, NFL GOAT Tom Brady was the opposite, as he raised concerns about the potential repercussions for quarterbacks executing this play. During an episode of ‘Let’s Go!’ podcast, TB12’s viewpoint underscored the short-term gain versus the long-term toll on a signal-caller’s physical well-being, particularly highlighting the increased vulnerability to sudden hits on the shoulder.

Javon Hargrave, a former Eagles player now with the San Francisco 49ers, expressed a wish to comprehend how to counter this play ahead of a crucial game.

The controversy surrounding the “Tush Push” escalated further when the New York Giants attempted to employ this tactic but suffered a double blow. Not only did they fail to counter the play effectively, but they also lost two key players to injuries sustained during its execution. Center John Michael Schmitz and tight end Daniel Bellinger both left the game due to significant injuries.

What’s your take on “Tush Push”?