Here we go again—NFL teams complaining about the Eagles’ Tush Push despite no injury data to suggest that the play, which the Super Bowl Champion Eagles run, is dangerous.
Sean McDermott Wants the Play Banned but Still Plans to Run It
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has come out in full support of the Green Bay Packers' proposal to ban the play, despite no injury data proving the play is dangerous.
Speaking at the NFL Owners Meetings at The Breakers Palm Beach Hotel in Florida, McDermott admitted there’s no significant injury data but still pushed for a ban:
"Even though there is not significant data out there to this point, my biggest concern is the health and safety of the players," McDermott said to reporters at the NFL Owners Meetings at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach Florida.
McDermott doubled down, attempting to justify the push to ban the play despite the lack of injury data:
"I’m not a doctor, so I’m not gonna get too deep into that situation in terms of how much data, how much sample. I don’t think that’s always really the best way to go. There’s other data out there that when you’re in a posture like we’re talking about, that can lead to serious injury. I think being responsible and proactive in that regard is the right way to go."
So let’s break this down: McDermott admits there’s no conclusive injury data, acknowledges he’s not a doctor, and yet still wants the play banned based on vague "other data" that he doesn’t actually cite?
And here’s the kicker—the Bills have run a version of the Tush Push for years and still plan to run it next season, even as McDermott tries to get it outlawed.
Make it make sense.
First and foremost, it’s a glorified quarterback sneak.
Secondly, there were no confirmed injuries in the NFL this past season due to this play. Does it take a toll on Eagles players—especially quarterback Jalen Hurts, center Cam Jurgens, and former Eagles center Jason Kelce? Yes, no question about it. It’s a gut-wrenching, difficult play. Again though, no injuries!
Last but not least, if you want the Tush Push out of the game, here’s the simple solution: stop the play. Yes, it’s that simple. If you want the Tush Push out of the NFL, then stop it. Just stop it and stop complaining.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni fired back at critics at the NFL Combine and has since stated the work that goes into running the play.
"It’s a little insulting… We work really hard at it," Sirianni said at the NFL Combine.
The Eagles’ Success With the Tush Push
The Eagles have turned the quarterback sneak into an almost unstoppable weapon since Nick Sirianni became the head coach in 2021. They led the league in attempts while maintaining one of the highest conversion rates.
Since 2022, Philadelphia has attempted the Tush Push or QB sneak an incredible 92 times on 3rd or 4th and 1, converting at a 91.3% success rate—well above the NFL average of 84.2% on these short-yardage situations.
Despite their success, the Eagles’ signature play has become one of the most controversial topics in the league. Some coaches and executives believe the play should remain part of the game, while others argue that it should be banned due to fairness and player safety concerns.
One team leading the charge to ban the play is the Green Bay Packers. On March 19, it was reported that the Packers officially submitted a proposal to the NFL to outlaw the Tush Push. The league’s brief summary of the proposal states:
"By Green Bay; amends Rule 12, Section 1, to prohibit an offensive player from pushing a teammate who was lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the snap."
If approved, this rule change would result in a 10-yard penalty for violating teams.
NFL Vote Set for April 1st in Palm Beach, Florida
NFL owners will officially vote on the proposed ban on Tuesday, April 1st, at the NFL Owners Meetings in Palm Beach, Florida.
For the rule change to pass, it requires approval from at least 24 of the 32 team owners—a 75% majority.
This means that unless an overwhelming number of teams vote against the play, the Tush Push will remain legal for the 2024 season.
What Other Coaches Have to Say
Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy has been one of the most vocal critics of the play, calling it “bad for the game” in a message posted on the team’s website after Green Bay was eliminated by the Eagles in the playoffs.
"There is no skill involved, and it is almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less," Murphy wrote.
Of course, the Packers aren’t fans of the play—Philadelphia eliminated them from the playoffs and also defeated them in the season opener in Brazil.
McDermott isn’t the only coach speaking out. Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris took it a step further, saying he’s wanted the play banned for years during the NFL Combine
"I thought it should have been illegal three years ago… The Tush Push play, I’ve never been a big fan."
But not all coaches are against it. In a surprising show of support, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid—whose team beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl—praised Sirianni and the Eagles for their creativity and execution:
"It's a heck of a play...my hat goes off to them, " Reid said at the Combine.
Reid, who has a close relationship with former Eagles center Jason Kelce, acknowledged how difficult it is to execute the play at such a high level.
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, who talked with the Eagles following their trade for quarterback Kenny Pickett, is in favor of keeping the Eagles' play in the game.
“I don’t know that it's something that needs to be legislated out of the game," Stefanski said at the NFL Owners Meetings. "The injury data is not there for it, I would be in favor of keeping the rules."
The Browns have a good relationship with Philadelphia, as Stefanski is a Philly native, and General Manager Andrew Berry worked in the Eagles front office.
While teams like the Packers and Bills want the play gone, others argue that banning it would be unfair. Texans General Manager Nick Caserio believes the Eagles should not be punished for simply executing better than the rest of the league.
"You don’t want to penalize a team that’s done something very well. Just because you can’t stop the play, is that something you have to take out of the game? You got to be careful about totally ridding the game of it… It’s a well-executed play by the Eagles. Nobody has been able to stop it, so honestly, the onus is on figuring out a way [to stop it]."Texans GM Nick Caserio
This conversation has become such a lightning rod that even the President of the United States weighed in on it.
What Happens Next?
With the vote coming on Tuesday, April 1st, at the NFL Owners Meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, the future of the Tush Push will soon be decided.
For the rule change to pass, it requires approval from at least 24 of the 32 team owners—a 75% majority.
Until then, shush on the Tush Push ban, and figure out a way to stop it.