In a move that has sent ripples through the National Football League, Commissioner Roger Goodell is reportedly taking a stand against the Philadelphia Eagles' controversial "tush push" play. This tactic, which involves a quarterback being pushed into the end zone by two assisting players during short-yardage situations, has been instrumental in the Eagles' consecutive Super Bowl runs.
The Athletic reports that Goodell is addressing concerns from various opposing coaches who have struggled to counter the play, citing an unfair advantage and calling for a more level playing field.
Commissioner's Limited Power
Despite Goodell's reported advocacy for banning the play, he does not possess the unilateral authority to enforce such a ban. The process requires a majority vote from the NFL's competition committee, followed by approval from team owners. The eight-person committee includes representatives from three 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. Notably absent from this board is any representation from the Eagles.
An internal league source conveyed to Dianna Russini of The Athletic that although the decision ultimately hinges on the committee's vote, Goodell's opinion could be influential. "Goodell wants to see this play removed from the game permanently," Russini wrote, quoting the league source.
The Eagles' execution of the "tush push" has proven particularly effective, with other teams attempting and failing to replicate their success. Since the beginning of the 2022 season, the Eagles have achieved a staggering 93.5 percent success rate with the play when quarterback Jalen Hurts is at the helm.
During an October interview with NBC, Eagles' center Jason Kelce candidly discussed the physical toll of the play. "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," said Kelce. "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 its challenges, Kelce and his teammates are against banning the play, arguing that it is merely a strategic variation of the quarterback sneak.
Is the "Tush Push" Unstoppable?
While injuries associated with the "tush push" are rare, the concern over its seemingly undefeatable nature may be driving Goodell's initiative. Historical precedents in contact sports show that dominant strategies can be curtailed through rule changes. A notable example is the St. George Dragons' rugby league team, whose 11-year championship reign ended following the introduction of tackle restrictions.
The Eagles, however, may contend that their use of the "tush push" is not inherently unfair but rather a testament to their coaching staff's effectiveness and the players' skills. They suggest that instead of a ban, better coaching should be the answer for teams looking to overcome their strategy.
As the debate continues, the football world watches closely to see if the "tush push" will remain a part of the Eagles' playbook or if Goodell's influence will push the committee towards a historic rule change. With the Eagles lacking direct representation on the competition committee, their fate—and perhaps a slice of their offensive identity—hangs in the balance.
What remains clear is that the outcome of this controversy will not just affect the Eagles but potentially reshape strategic approaches across the league. If the "tush push" is deemed too powerful and subsequently banned, it could set a precedent for how the NFL addresses similar issues in the future, balancing innovation with fairness in the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.