NFL Team Proposes Ban on Tush Push Play Used by Eagles
Image credits: Godofredo A Vásquez/AP
The National Football League (NFL) is considering a proposal to ban the tush push play, a quarterback sneak technique that has been used successfully by the Philadelphia Eagles. The proposal, which was submitted by an unnamed team, aims to eliminate the play due to concerns over player safety and the lack of skill involved. According to NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent, the proposal will be discussed at the annual league meeting in March, where it will require a three-quarters majority vote to pass.
The tush push play, also known as the "Brotherly Shove," involves a team lining up two teammates behind the quarterback, who receives the snap and lunges forward while being pushed by his teammates. The play has been highly effective for the Eagles, who have used it to gain a significant advantage in short-yardage situations. However, some teams and coaches have expressed concerns over the safety of the play, citing the potential for injury to the quarterback and other players involved. Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott, a member of the competition committee, has spoken out against the play, stating that it poses an injury risk and is contrary to the health and safety of players.
The proposal to ban the tush push play has sparked a debate within the NFL, with some arguing that it is a legitimate play that requires skill and strategy, while others see it as a dangerous and unsportsmanlike tactic. The Eagles, who have been the most successful team in using the play, have argued that it is a vital part of their offense and that banning it would be unfair. The team's coach, Nick Sirianni, has stated that he is lobbying against any changes to the rule, citing the success that the Eagles have had with the play. The Green Bay Packers, who are reportedly the team that submitted the proposal, have also spoken out against the play, with outgoing president Mark Murphy calling it "bad for the game."
The NFL's competition committee will review the proposal and make a recommendation to the owners, who will then vote on whether to approve or reject the ban. If the ban is approved, it would mark a significant change to the game, as the tush push play has become a staple of the Eagles' offense. The proposal has also sparked a wider discussion about player safety and the role of the NFL in protecting its players. While some argue that the league has a responsibility to protect its players from injury, others see the tush push play as a legitimate part of the game that does not pose a significant risk to player safety.
The following are some key statistics and facts about the tush push play:
- The Eagles and Bills have combined to run 163 tush pushes over the past three seasons, with a success rate of 87%.
- The rest of the NFL has a success rate of 71% on similar plays.
- The tush push play has been used in a variety of situations, including short-yardage and goal-line situations.
- Some teams have reported concerns over the safety of the play, citing the potential for injury to the quarterback and other players involved.
- The NFL's competition committee will review the proposal and make a recommendation to the owners, who will then vote on whether to approve or reject the ban.
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