Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni shared his thoughts on the league discussing banning the team’s signature “tush push” play.
The Philadelphia Eagles fell short of winning Super Bowl 57, as they lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs, despite leading 24-14 at halftime. Even with the loss, the future looks bright for the Eagles, especially with quarterback Jalen Hurts leading the way. But, there was talk that at the NFL Competition Committee is considering bringing a ban to the Eagles’ signature and most effective play — the quarterback sneak “tush push.” That is where two or three players are lined up behind Hurts, and push him forward on a sneak play. It was mostly used in short yardage situations, and it resulted in first downs the majority of the time.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was asked by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo about the potential of the play being banned by the NFL.
Nick Sirianni speaks on NFL potentially banning Eagles’ ‘tush push’ play
General manager Howie Roseman was also asked about the potential of the league banning the play.
“All I know is everything we’re doing is legal and it works,” Roseman said, h/t NBC Sports Philadelphia. “And just because people do something that’s really good, doesn’t mean it should be outlawed.”
To say this play by the Eagles was successful throughout the 2022 season is an understatement. According to The 33rd Team, Hurts converted on 36-of-40 quarterback sneaks this past season. That, and six of the Eagles’ 10 rushing first downs were on the sneak.
There was previously a ban on pushing or pulling the ball carrier forward during a play. However, the NFL lifted the ban on pushing in 2005, while pulling the ball carrier forward is still outlawed.
The play will be under review by the competition committee during the NFL league meetings in Phoenix, Ariz. from March 26-29.
This will be something worth monitoring at the end of March. The Eagles used this move to near perfection throughout the 2022 season, and it is now in danger of being banned.
