NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reportedly taken a stance against the Philadelphia Eagles' innovative but controversial "tush push" play, a strategy that has been central to their consecutive Super Bowl appearances. This particular tactic involves a quarterback positioning directly behind the center and then being propelled into the end zone with the help of two players during short-yardage situations.
Goodell's intervention is said to stem from various opposing coaches' difficulties in countering the play. His objective is to address concerns regarding potential unfair advantages and to ensure an even playing field, as reported by The Athletic.
Authority of the Commissioner
Despite his advocacy for the removal of the play, it is important to note that Goodell does not possess the authority to unilaterally ban it. For such a change to take effect, it would require a majority vote from the NFL competition committee, followed by approval from the team owners.
The committee, which lacks representation from the Eagles, includes three members from other NFC East teams: Stephen Jones, Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys; John Mara, owner of the New York Giants; and Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders. These individuals are part of the eight-person board responsible for voting on such matters.
An internal league source revealed to Dianna Russini of The Athletic that while Goodell does not hold a role within the committee, his opinion could significantly influence the outcome of the vote. "Though it will all come down to the voting, the most important opinion about the play may come from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell," Russini reported. "I was told by a league source that Goodell wants to see this play removed from the game permanently."
While several teams have attempted to replicate the "tush push" play, the Eagles have mastered it, remaining undefeated when executing the maneuver. Since the start of the 2022 season, they have achieved a remarkable 93.5 percent success rate in short-yardage scenarios with Jalen Hurts at the helm, according to statistics from The Athletic as of October 18.
Eagles' center Jason Kelce commented on the physical toll of the play during an interview with NBC in October. "All the weight and everything lying on top of you, and you've got to wait for everybody else to get up before you can get up," Kelce explained. "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 acknowledging the play's intensity, Kelce, along with his teammates, believes the "tush push" should remain legal. They argue that the play is merely a variation of the traditional quarterback sneak play.
Concerns Over the Play's Efficacy
Although injuries associated with the "tush push" are not common, Goodell's consideration of a permanent ban may be related to concerns over the play's near-undefeatable nature. Precedents exist in other contact sports where dominant strategies have been curtailed through rule changes. For example, the St. George Dragons' rugby league team in Australia saw their reign of 11 consecutive championships from 1956 to 1966 diminish after the introduction of rules limiting tackles, showcasing how rule adjustments can impact the dynamics of a sport.
In response to the potential ban, the Eagles might argue that their success with the "tush push" is not due to any inherent unfairness but rather the result of effective coaching and player skill. They contend that it should be the responsibility of the opposing teams' coaching staff to develop counter-strategies, not the intervention of the commissioner, to neutralize their successful plays.
As the debate continues, the football community will be closely monitoring the situation to see whether the "tush push" will become a relic of the past or continue to be a legitimate weapon in the Eagles' offensive arsenal. The decision, ultimately, rests in the hands of the competition committee and the NFL owners, whose vote will determine the fate of this contentious play.