After the Snap Analysis: How an NFL ‘Tush Push’ Ban Could Change Short-Yardage Offenses

The NFL is a league of constant evolution, where innovation battles tradition, and the smallest rule change can ripple through team strategies. As the 2025 season approaches, one particular play is under the microscope: the “Tush Push,” also known as the “Brotherly Shove,” popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Green Bay Packers leading a formal proposal to ban the play, the future of short-yardage offense hangs in the balance.

The Rise of the ‘Tush Push’

The “Tush Push” involves the quarterback, typically Jalen Hurts, lining up directly behind the center and receiving a shove from teammates behind him to gain crucial yards. The Eagles have mastered this play, converting a staggering 87% of their attempts over the past three seasons. This near-unstoppable success has made it a signature of their offense, contributing to a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and two Super Bowl appearances in three years.

However, the play’s effectiveness has also sparked controversy. Critics, including Packers CEO Mark Murphy, argue that it relies more on brute force than skill, diminishing the strategic aspect of the game. Concerns about player safety have also been raised, with some fearing the high-impact nature of the play increases the risk of injuries. Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher has also voiced his opposition to the play.

The Case for a Ban

The Green Bay Packers have officially proposed a rule change to ban the “Tush Push,” citing player safety and competitive balance as primary concerns. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stated at the NFL combine that the team wanted to ban the play, which is a modified quarterback sneak where two or three teammates line up behind the quarterback and push him forward to help him try to gain the yardage necessary for a first down or touchdown. The proposal aims to prohibit an offensive player from pushing a teammate immediately after taking the snap, resulting in a 10-yard penalty if violated.

The Packers argue that the “Tush Push” leads to frequent pile-ups, increasing the risk of injury, especially for quarterbacks and linemen. They also contend that the play detracts from the strategic element of the game, as its high success rate can make short-yardage situations almost automatic for teams that execute it well.

Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott called the play “an injury safety risk” at the NFL combine last month. “I just feel like, you know, player safety — and the health and safety of our players — has to be at the top of our game, which it is,” McDermott said, adding that “the way that the techniques that are used with that play, to me, have been potentially contrary to the health and safety of the players.”

The Defense of the Push

Despite the criticism, the “Tush Push” has its defenders. Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has passionately defended the play, stating, “I’ve seen some of the stuff that it’s an automatic play. I almost feel a little insulted because we work so hard at that play. The amount of things that we’ve looked into, how to coach that play, the fundamentals… I can’t tell you how many times we practice the snap. We practice the play because it’s not a play that was easy to practice in different ways. We figured out how to practice it.”

Supporters argue that the “Tush Push” is a legitimate innovation within the current rules and that its success is a testament to the hard work and execution of teams like the Eagles. They also point out that banning a play simply because one team is better at it could set a dangerous precedent.

Eagles center Jason Kelce views banning the play as being against the spirit of competition. “Maybe the Eagles just happen to be really, really good at it,” he recently said on “The Steam Room” podcast, via ABC News New York. “Is that fair to necessarily punish a team just because they’re better at it than everybody else? I don’t think that that’s fair.”

Alternative Strategies for Short-Yardage Offenses

If the “Tush Push” is banned, teams will need to adapt and develop new strategies for short-yardage situations. Here are a few potential alternatives:

Traditional Quarterback Sneaks: While less effective than the “Tush Push,” the traditional quarterback sneak remains a viable option. Teams may focus on improving their offensive line play and quarterback technique to gain an edge.
Running Back Power Runs: Power running plays, where a running back runs directly behind the offensive line, can be effective in short-yardage situations. Teams may need to invest in strong, physical running backs and offensive linemen to execute these plays successfully.
Play-Action Passes: Play-action passes, where the quarterback fakes a run before throwing the ball, can catch defenses off guard in short-yardage situations. Teams may need to develop quarterbacks who are accurate passers and can make quick decisions.
Creative Formations and Motions: Teams can use creative formations and motions to create mismatches and confuse defenses in short-yardage situations. This requires innovative play-calling and well-coached players.

The Potential Impact on the Philadelphia Eagles

A ban on the “Tush Push” would undoubtedly impact the Philadelphia Eagles, who have relied heavily on the play’s success in recent years. However, the Eagles are a well-coached team with a talented roster, and they are likely to adapt and find new ways to excel in short-yardage situations.

As Jurgens said, “They can’t stop it and they can’t do it. I think if everybody could do it, no one would want to ban it. Just about two teams can do it at the clip we can.”

The Eagles may focus on improving their traditional quarterback sneak, developing their running game, or incorporating more play-action passes into their offense. They may also look to add new players who can help them excel in short-yardage situations, regardless of the rules.

The Road Ahead

The NFL’s Competition Committee is set to review the Packers’ proposal to ban the “Tush Push.” For the rule change to take effect, 24 out of 32 team owners must vote in favor. The vote will take place later this month at the annual league meetings in Florida. Given the play’s effectiveness for the Eagles, it’s likely to face fierce opposition from teams that view it as a clever tactic rather than a flaw in the rulebook.

The outcome of this vote will have a significant impact on the future of short-yardage offense in the NFL. Whether the “Tush Push” remains a part of the game or is relegated to the history books, teams will need to adapt and innovate to find new ways to gain those crucial yards when it matters most.