NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reportedly taken a stance on the Philadelphia Eagles' controversial "tush push" play, which has been instrumental in their consecutive Super Bowl runs. This tactic involves a quarterback lining up behind the center and then being propelled into the end zone by two assisting players during critical short-yardage situations.
According to The Athletic, Goodell is concerned that the play provides an unfair advantage and is seeking to level the playing field. However, despite his position as commissioner, Goodell does not have the unilateral power to impose a ban on the play. It would require a majority vote from the NFL's competition committee, followed by approval from the league's team owners, to make such a rule change official.
Competition Committee's Role
The competition committee, which is responsible for overseeing and advising on all rule changes, currently does not include any members from the Eagles organization. Notably, three of the eight-person committee represent NFC East teams: Stephen Jones, EVP of the Dallas Cowboys; John Mara, owner of the New York Giants; and Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders. This detail could potentially influence the decision-making process given the direct rivalry with the Eagles within their division.
An internal league source informed The Athletic's NFL reporter Dianna Russini about Goodell's perspective on the issue. "Though it will all come down to the voting, the most important opinion about the play may come from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell," Russini wrote. "I was told by a league source that Goodell wants to see this play removed from the game permanently."
Effectiveness of the "Tush Push"
The "tush push" has proven to be a highly effective strategy for the Eagles, particularly when executed with quarterback Jalen Hurts at the helm. Since the beginning of the 2022 season, the Eagles have achieved a remarkable 93.5 percent success rate in short-yardage scenarios using this play, as reported by The Athletic as of October 18.
Other teams have attempted to replicate the Eagles' success with their versions of the "tush push," but none have matched the effectiveness demonstrated by the Philadelphia squad. The Eagles argue that their success is due to superior coaching and player execution rather than any inherent unfairness in the play itself.
In an interview with NBC in October, Eagles' center Jason Kelce acknowledged the physical toll the "tush push" takes on players. "All the weight and everything lying up on top of you, and you've got to wait for everybody else to get up before you can get up," he said. "It’s a grueling play, for sure. And, you know, if you do it right, you’re at the bottom. If you’re not at the bottom, it usually didn’t go well." Despite this, Kelce and his teammates maintain that the play should remain legal, describing it as a mere variation of the quarterback sneak.
The Debate Over Fair Play
The debate around the "tush push" extends beyond its effectiveness or the physical demands it places on players. There are concerns that the play might be too difficult to defend against, leading to discussions about whether it should be allowed to continue. Goodell's consideration of a ban echoes historical precedents in other contact sports where dominant strategies were curbed through rule changes. For example, the St. George Dragons' 11-year reign as champions in Australian rugby league came to an end after rule adjustments limited tackle counts, illustrating how the game can be reshaped through regulatory intervention.
The Eagles, however, are prepared to argue their case, suggesting that it is the responsibility of opposing teams and their coaching staff to develop strategies to counter the "tush push." They believe that the play is not inherently unfair but rather a testament to their coaching and players' skillful execution.
As the conversation unfolds, the future of the "tush push" hangs in the balance. The decision will ultimately rest with the competition committee and the league's owners. Until then, the Eagles will likely continue to employ their signature move as they strive for continued success on the football field.