The Tush Push was the play popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles a few years ago that only they seem to be able to execute to near perfection. None of the other NFL teams come close. But we may have seen the last of the brotherly shove, as the future of the play will be decided today (Tuesday) at the NFL owners’ meeting.
It was the Green Bay Packers who submitted the proposal to ban the Tush Push, citing issues with safety and competitiveness. In order to pass any motion, there needs to be a 75% majority of NFL owners in favor of the rule change (24 of 32 votes).
The controversial play has been a source of great debate over the last few years, as some argue that the “safety concerns” are unwarranted, with no data to prove they should exist. Others, like Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, say that a lack of data doesn’t necessarily indicate that the risk is not higher than with other plays.
Where the league stands on the Tush Push: the teams against it
At the moment, it appears unlikely that the Tush Push will be banned. Only nine teams need to vote against the ban for it to fail. As of Monday night when the owners met, it seemed that at least 10 were against banning the play while three were for banning the play, and three more were on the fence.
NFL teams who want the Tush Push banned
- Green Bay Packers
- Buffalo Bills
- Dallas Cowboys
We already know how the Packers feel about the play, as they’re the ones who submitted the proposal, though it’s president Mark Murphy who’s leading the fight. Bills coach Sean McDermott sees a ban as a “proactive” measure. And Cowboys CEO/co-owner Stephen Jones cited inconsistency in leverage plays as a reason for banning the Tush Push.
NFL teams who want to keep the Tush Push
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cleveland Browns
- Detroit Lions
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tennessee Titans
Obviously the Eagles are against a ban of the play they popularized and mastered. Most of the other teams on this list have had their coaches or managers publicly indicate that they are against the banalthough Ravens coach John Harbaugh has said that he would be open to a ban if the safety concerns prove to be valid.
NFL teams on the fence about the Tush Push
- Los Angeles Rams
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Pittsburgh Steelers
The Rams seem to be split on the decision. General manager Les Snead doesn’t believe the injury data supports a ban, while head coach Sean McVay doesn’t think the play ever should’ve been allowed in the first place. Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged both sides of the argument and agreed that the play should be banned if it puts a player’s health/safety in jeopardy. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has said he’s going to keep an open mind about the arguments both directions.
The NFL will continue its debate later today with a potential vote to follow.
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