Hall of Fame coach says he’s not a fan of Eagles’ ‘Tush Push’: ‘It’s not a football play’

Hall of Fame coach says he’s not a fan of Eagles’ ‘Tush Push’: ‘It’s not a football play’

The Philadelphia Eagles’ “Tush Push” play—a quarterback sneak augmented by teammates pushing the quarterback forward—has become a hallmark of their offensive strategy. While the play has proven highly effective, it has also sparked considerable debate among players, coaches, and analysts.

**Bill Cowher Critiques the “Tush Push”**

Bill Cowher, a Hall of Fame coach and former Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has voiced his disapproval of the “Tush Push.” Appearing on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Cowher remarked, “It’s not a football play. It’s rugby. They call it a scrum.” He expressed concerns that the play lacks strategic depth, likening it to a rugby scrum rather than a traditional football maneuver. Cowher also highlighted potential safety issues, noting the substantial force exerted during the play and questioning its alignment with football’s strategic elements

**Jim Nantz Joins the Criticism**

Jim Nantz, a renowned sports broadcaster, has also criticized the “Tush Push.” On the “What the Football with Suzy Shuster & Amy Trask” podcast, Nantz stated, “I’m done with the tush push. I don’t like the play.” He described it as “too automatic,” suggesting that its predictability diminishes the game’s competitiveness. Nantz emphasized that the play’s success rate, especially when executed by a quarterback like Jalen Hurts, makes it exceedingly difficult to defend against.

**Origins and Evolution of the “Tush Push”**

The “Tush Push” has been instrumental in the Eagles’ offensive success, particularly in short-yardage situations. Its origins trace back to 2018, when Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr suggested a similar tactic. The Eagles adopted and refined the concept, leading to its widespread use and effectiveness. Despite its success, the play has faced criticism for potentially reducing the strategic complexity of the game.

**Calls for Regulation or Ban**

The effectiveness of the “Tush Push” has led to discussions about its future in the NFL. Some team officials, like Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy, have expressed concerns, stating that the play “is bad for the game” due to its high success rate and perceived lack of skill involvement. These critiques have fueled debates about whether the NFL should implement regulations or outright ban the play to preserve the sport’s competitive balanc

**Eagles’ Perspective**

Despite the criticism, the Eagles continue to defend the “Tush Push.” Head coach Nick Sirianni has emphasized that the play’s success is a testament to the team’s execution and the offensive line’s prowess. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has been instrumental in the play’s effectiveness, has downplayed the controversy, focusing on the team’s performance and hard work.

**Conclusion**

The “Tush Push” remains a divisive topic in the NFL. While it has proven to be a highly effective strategy for the Eagles, it has also raised questions about the game’s strategic depth and safety. As the debate continues, the future of the “Tush Push” will depend on ongoing discussions among coaches, players, and league officials.