NFL Might Lick the Tush Push
A seemingly indefensive NFL maneuver may be on the way out and will be evaluated this offseason.
The Philadelphia Eagles popularized a quarterback sneak on 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1 plays — and at times, even 3rd and 2 — with incredible precision and success. But the 2022 season might be technique’s swan song.
NFL Might Lick the Tush Push
The 33rd Team’s Ari Meriov tweeted Thursday, “Dean Blandino says the NFL Competition Committee might look to eliminate the “Tush Push” play on QB sneaks that was so effective for Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles this season.”
The Eagles converted 29 of 32 quarterback sneaks last season, and the playcall was used with abnormal frequency during Super Bowl LVII. Of course, the Kansas City Chiefs still won the chip, but the Eagles kept the contest tight with aid of the Tush Push.
The NFL tends to evaluate plays in the offseason when teams or coaches get too tricky with particular cheat-code-like maneuvers. And if the play or tactic is blatantly advantageous over and over, the league often says, “not anymore.”
Philadelphia thrived with the Tush Push for a few reasons. Foremost, it has the most talented offensive line in the sport, and the personnel is just that damn good. After that, the interior offensive linemen know how to “get low” and push the opposing defenders back. Then, quarterback Jalen Hurts can squat a skyscraper, so he drives the pile forward — while a running back or two effectuate “the push.” Voila, the most indefensible play in football was born.
Sporting News‘ Jacob Camenker described the Eagles success with the play, “The Two-Cheek Sneak is a rather simple-looking play. It’s a quarterback sneak straight up the middle during which Jalen Hurts tries to bull forward for the first down. The one twist is that he is being pushed from behind while this happens, giving him the extra momentum needed to gain the first down.”
Eagles center Jason Kelce told The Athletic about the play, “It’s not a sneak anymore. There’s nothing sneaky about it. Both teams know what’s coming.”
The aforementioned Meirov also mentioned that some teams are adamant about the rule change, stating that new Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is “going to do it every game next year if they don’t outlaw the rule.”
“It amounts to a rugby scrum. The NFL wants to showcase the athleticism and skill of our athletes. This is just not a skillful play,” Payton reportedly declared.
Seventy-five percent of league owners must approve the change before the ban goes into effect. That’s 24 owners.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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