Former NFL Quarterback Calls For The Tush Push To Be Banned
Yesterday at 06:35 PM
The Philadelphia Eagles won a big football game, so it's time to debate the "Tush Push" again.
Defenses haven't found an answer to Philadelphia's rugby-style quarterback sneak. While other teams have deployed similar tactics in short-yardage situations, nobody uses it as often as Jalen Hurts and the Eagles.
Nick Sirianni continued calling the Tush Play all the way to the Super Bowl. Hurts scored a pair of one-yard rushing touchdowns in Sunday's 55-23 victory over the Washington Commanders.
If you can't beat it, make it illegal. At least that's what plenty of detractors are arguing.
Kurt Benkert, a former NFL quarterback who never completed a pass, called for the league to prohibit the controversial play.
"Ban the Tush Push," Benkert wrote on social media. "It's an illegal formation by the O line compared to where they typically align."
He's not alone. SportsCenter anchor Randy Scott also wants the "Brotherly Shove" gone.
"They have to get rid of the Tush Push, man," Scott said. "This is unwatchable."
The play caused a truly bizarre sequence in Sunday's NFC Championship Game. With Philadelphia lined up at the one for another Tush Push, Washington's defense got called for three consecutive encroachment penalties.
Frankie Luvu twice tried jumping over the line of scrimmage right as the Eagles snapped the ball, but the gambit didn't work. The officials warned Washington that they could award Philadelphia a touchdown if those tactics continued. On the next play, the Eagles pushed Hurts into the end zone.
Observers have debated the play's legality since the Eagles started frequently using it in 2022. Others just think it's boring football.
Despite those objections, the NFL hasn't considered banning the play yet.
"You don't want to punish anyone for doing something well," NFL Executive VP of Football Operations (and former Eagles defensive back) Troy Vincent said at the end of 2023. "People have tried different things to stop it. Have not had success. That's why bringing it to the membership just to say this play has evolved. Other people are doing it, and we've seen some pretty good football from the evolution of the original formation."
The Tush Push will likely remain a polarizing topic of conversation over the next two weeks before Philadelphia plays in the Super Bowl.
Related: NFL Fans Are Calling For The 'Tush Push' To Be Banned
