Tyler’s Take: NFL Should NOT Outlaw ‘Tush Push’

With NFL teams using a rugby-style scrum to push their quarterback for a first down on fourth and short situations more than ever in 2022, the NFL is considering outlawing what is known as the ‘Tush Push,' but they shouldn’t.

NASHVILLE — First, what is the ‘Tush Push?’ If you have watched NFL football at all in 2022 you probably saw it take place. If you watched the Philadelphia Eagles at all, you definitely saw it. Essentially, on short yardage situations, usually third or fourth and short, teams would run a quarterback sneak, but have other members of the offense push the quarterback forward to assist with getting the first down.

Should the "Tush Push" be outlawed?

What do you think? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KiWScCQvvA

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 17, 2023

The NFL is now considering banning this type of play after it had been legal since 2005. I believe that would be a mistake. Reports indicate the NFL likens it to a rugby scrum and thinks it doesn’t “highlight the athleticism and skill” of their athletes. Also saying, “it is just not a skillful play” according to former NFL Referee Dean Blandino. While that may be a fair argument, I worry about the unintended consequences.

First, my opinion is, if the defense can’t stop it, they need to adjust. No different than varying offensive philosophies, like the wildcat or run-pass option, for example. Also, the NFL has been changing rules to disadvantage the defense for a long time. Some may instantly counter with applause and think it is about time the NFL helped defenses, but how much would it really help. We are talking about third or fourth and short opportunities that the quarterback sneak has been incredibly effective on for a long time. Tom Brady was nearly unstoppable on sneaks his entire career. Is a rule change really going to make a big enough difference? I would say no.

Also, I fundamentally disagree with the NFL implying the play isn’t exciting to watch. Take for example, when a running back’s momentum is stopped and his offensive line comes to give him a little push out in the open field. Sometimes, the running back picks up some momentum and gains a few extra yards(or more). Often times those can be some of the most exciting plays of any game. I have been in stadiums when those “rugby scrums” happen and the crowd gets wildly excited. Are those going to be illegal now too? How could the NFL make an argument for them if they outlaw the ‘Tush Push?’

See football isn’t just a game of skill and athleticism. It is a game of pure power and force. Those scrums are the essence of football. A group of people’s will against another group’s. It’s team. It’s determination. IT IS FOOTBALL.

I also roll my eyes at the last quote. “It is just not a skillful play.” Well if that is true, then it should be easy to stop right? It takes no skill according to the NFL. I cover a team in the Tennessee Titans that I never saw try that with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Also, no one seems to be as good at as the Eagles led by Jalen Hurts. Looks like it takes skill to me.

Furthermore, I would use a college example. Every football fan who has been watching the game for the last twenty years remembers the “Bush Push,” when Reggie Bush of the USC Trojans helped push USC’s quarterback Matt Leinart in for a touchdown against Notre Dame. That is one of the most memorable plays in college football history. The fan enjoyment and excitement are not lessened on these plays.

October 15, 2005: ‘The Bush Push’

Reggie Bush shoved Matt Leinart into the endzone to give #1 USC the win over Brady Quinn and #9 Notre Dame🎥pic.twitter.com/11cTIcZ3WF

— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) October 15, 2021

Not to mention, the NFL has, as I stated before, long been changing rules to benefit the offense and create more scoring, well isn’t allowing this modified quarterback sneak an easy way to accomplish that as well? What is more exciting and fruitful to the audience, a punt or a converted sneak attempt on fourth down? If you have teams going for it on fourth more and converting those chances, that will result in more scoring, more drama and BETTER TELEVISION.

The last thing I want to mention here is my general frustration with the NFL’s focus. With all the issues in the NFL these days, THIS is what you are focused on? What about inconsistency with officiating? What about the catch rule that no one can figure out from Sunday to Sunday? What about officials consistently missing linemen downfield on the new age RPO plays? The ridiculous calls of roughing the passer on legal hits that change games and have for years. Of all the things the NFL should be worried about, the ‘Tush Push’ shouldn’t be at the top of the list.

Not only would removing this play be a detriment to the game, but it would also be bad from a business standpoint. The NFL needs to keep the 'Tush Push’ for the sake of the game and their fans. No ifs, ands or "Butts” about it.

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