Banning the tush push could change a few things.
This past week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided updates from the offseason meetings in which the NFL’s competition committee enacted a few rule changes. For example, the NFL ruled in favor to change the overtime format to be played similarly to that of the postseason, where both teams will be given a possession in overtime. One rule was a major point of contention and was tabled for the interim, the Tush Push popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles. Though effective, the play has come under fire for many reasons, leading to a growing sense that play needs to be outlawed and no longer allowed in the NFL. This article underlines the call to action and why banning the play is under consideration.
What makes the play so effective, specifically for the Eagles, is the leverage their offensive line has as they barrel into the opposing defensive line, and the strength of Jalen Hurts, guided by Saquon Barkley, pushing him forward. However, if the proposal initiated by the Green Bay Packers to abolish the play is approved sometime in the future, that won’t be anything to worry about anymore.
Some contend that disallowing the Tush Push sends the wrong message as it is the defense’s job to stop it. Whereas others are in favor of the play being banned because it often appears to bend the rules. In many instances, both teams intrude on the neutral zone before the snap. Plus, it raises the concern of an unfair advantage by allowing an offensive player to push a ball carrier for further forward progress, while defensive players aren’t allowed to do something similar by pushing defensive players through the line of scrimmage.
When asked about the proposal, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said this about the now infamous formation:
”We’re looking for consistency as a committee, and we don’t allow pushing,” Said Jones. “We don’t allow the linebackers to push the defensive linemen on extra points and we’re just trying to be consistent.”
If the play is eliminated when league meetings reconvene, the Cowboys become big benefactors as a result. The Eagles have been very successful since introducing the play in 2022. In 2023, the Eagles had an 88.1% conversion rate, and we’re still good in 2024, though slightly less successful with an 82.4% conversion rate. The Eagles attempted the play 45 times in 2024, resulting in 35 first downs and 13 touchdowns, including the playoffs.
Last season, the Eagles scored two touchdowns from inside the two-yard line against Dallas while using the Tush Push. The Cowboys also have had a problem stopping the run, especially in the middle of their defense. Taking away this near-unstoppable facet from the Eagles’ offense makes defending the Eagles on third down less nerve-racking because they can’t depend on the Tush Push on fourth down.
This past week, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports provided more context as to why the play could be banned and where talks are regarding the rule change at this time.
Talks on the tush-push will continue today. If it is voted on today and receives enough votes to be banned, one source said the main reason will be the potential for injury, particularly to the spine. The thinking is to prevent a serious injury before it happens rather than… https://t.co/49MCWCEliV
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 1, 2025
For the better part of the last 15 years, player safety has been a mainstay in the ongoing dialogue to improve the game. Competition aside, keeping the players safe is the driving force behind most enacted rule changes. Some detractors would argue that the Tush Push is inherently unsafe, with Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott being one of the louder voices on the subject.
“My biggest concern is the health and safety of the players, first and foremost. It’s added force and then the posture of the players being asked to execute that type of play. That’s where my concern comes in,” said McDermott, who is part of the NFL’s competition committee which reviews rule proposals and will present supporting statistics to the voters.
“That’s not a healthy posture, to me. Then, when you add force to that posture, that’s concerning for me as to the health and safety of the players. … To me, (the Green Bay proposal) takes away the force. Traditional quarterback sneaks have been around for a long time. That’s the context of it that’s important. Then the pushing adds the force piece, and it exponentially raises my concern.”
That should mean something from a coach who uses the same play to his advantage with his quarterback Josh Allen. There’s a lot of intrigue in what unfolds from these discussions for several reasons, with Dallas having something to gain.
