Residual Resentment and the "Tush Push"
The Green Bay Packers might still be carrying a grudge against the Philadelphia Eagles, who decisively defeated them 22-10 in the wild-card round en route to winning Super Bowl LIX. This lingering frustration was evident more than a month after the loss when the Packers submitted a proposal to the NFL’s competition committee to ban the controversial "tush push." The proposal, reported by The Athletic’s Diana Russini, highlights the Packers’ disapproval of the play, a sentiment echoed by their president/CEO, Mark Murphy, in a postseason column. Murphy openly criticized the "tush push," stating, "There is no skill involved. It is almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less." The play in question was a pivotal fourth-and-1 conversion in the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ wild-card win over the Packers, which showcased the play’s effectiveness and the Packers’ inability to stop it.
The "Tush Push" in Action
The "tush push," also affectionately known as the "Brotherly Shove," has a history in the NFL, but the Eagles popularized it in 2022 to gain a significant advantage in short-yardage situations. The play’s mechanics are straightforward yet highly effective: the offense knows precisely when to snap the ball, while the defense is left to anticipate. This split-second advantage allows the offensive line to push forward, and the players lined up behind the ball-carrier—often the quarterback—can provide an additional push, helping the runner break the line to gain. The Eagles’ success with this play is undeniable, converting over 90% of their attempts in 2022, 88.1% in 2023, and 82.4% in 2024. Their first touchdown in the 40-22 Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs was a testament to the play’s effectiveness, solidifying its place in NFL lore.
Controversy and Safety Concerns
Despite its success, the "tush push" has been a source of contention in NFL circles and among fans. The play’s controversial nature came to a head during the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders, who jumped offside four times in an attempt to prevent the Eagles from using the "tush push." The referee issued a warning, nearly awarding the Eagles free points, which intensified the debate over the play’s fairness. However, the Eagles are not the only team to employ this strategy. The Buffalo Bills, with their powerful quarterback Josh Allen, frequently used the "tush push" as well. On a crucial play in the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs on January 26, 2023, Allen was stopped short on a fourth-down "tush push" attempt. The Chiefs capitalized on the turnover, scoring a go-ahead touchdown that ultimately helped them win 32-29.
Player Safety and Committee Input
Safety concerns have also been raised regarding the "tush push." Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott, a member of the NFL’s competition committee, addressed these issues at the NFL Scouting Combine. "The way that the techniques that are used with the play, to me, have been potentially contrary to the health and safety of the players," McDermott said. "You have to go back through, in fairness, to the injury data on the play, but I just think the optics of it I’m not in love with." McDermott’s statement underscores a broader concern within the league about the physical toll this play can take on players. The NFL has a vested interest in player safety, and any rule change proposal must consider this critical aspect.
Personnel and Play Performance
The "tush push" relies heavily on the players’ abilities and overall durability. The Eagles had the perfect personnel for the play when veteran center Jason Kelce, known for his power and stability, was active. Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ quarterback, who can squat 600 pounds, added another layer of effectiveness to the strategy. However, when Kelce retired and Cam Jurgens, who played through persistent back pain, took over, the Eagles’ success rate with the "tush push" dropped. This decline illustrates that the play’s effectiveness is not solely due to its design but also to the quality and physical condition of the players executing it. The Packers’ proposal, therefore, targets a tactic that may be less impactful without the right personnel, but its widespread use and success in recent years make it a significant point of contention.
The Upcoming Decision
The NFL will deliberate on the Packers’ proposal and any other rule changes during the league’s annual meeting at the end of March. The decision will rest with the league’s owners, who will vote on whether to implement the proposed changes. The outcome of this vote could have far-reaching implications for the game, particularly for teams like the Eagles who have built a significant portion of their short-yardage strategy around the "tush push." Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the league decides to address this controversial play, balancing the need for fair play with the paramount importance of player safety. For those interested in the latest updates and insights from the NFL, creating or logging into a FOX Sports account to follow your favorite teams and players can provide personalized news and analysis delivered right to your inbox.
