See Saquon Barkley celebrate with Eagles ball boy at victory parade
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley pulls a ball boy from the crowd to join the team’s Super Bowl victory parade.
USA Today
Is time running out on the “Tush Push” play in the NFL?
According to Troy Vincent Sr., the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, one anonymous team has submitted a proposal to ban the play that the Philadelphia Eagles have made infamous. NFL Network’s Judy Battista reported on Vincent’s comments on Monday.
For the last few years, the Eagles‘ version of the quarterback sneak has become a crucial part of their offense. With their excellent offensive line, physically strong quarterback and perfected execution, Philadelphia has been able to run the play successfully just about any time they’re in need of two or fewer yards.
To run the play, quarterback Jalen Hurts takes the snap and surges forward behind his dog-piling offensive line while running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Dallas Goedert push him from behind.
The high success rate of the play has made it an unpopular one for opposing teams, as well as certain fans and members of the media. Now, one team – which is still anonymous – is trying to get it banned.
Representatives from NFL football operations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposal, so it’s unclear exactly what this anonymous team hopes to outlaw.
Perhaps they’re trying to rid the NFL of the quarterback sneak play entirely, or they hope to ban the Eagles’ variation, which includes the extra pushing from behind the ball-carrier. Maybe that team is fine with every other team attempting a quarterback sneak, so long as it isn’t Philadelphia.
How do rule changes work in the NFL?
For the “Tush Push” ban proposal to become an official rule, it will first be reviewed by the NFL competition committee, which includes various team owners, front office officials and even active head coaches. According to the NFL, the committee is instructed to consider the following questions about a new rule or rule change:
- Does the change improve the game?
- How will it be officiated?
- How will it be coached?
- Can the player apply the rule on the field?
- Does the change enhance player protection?
Once the NFL competition committee outlines how the rule change will be implemented, all 32 team owners vote on whether or not to adopt the rule at an annual league meeting. The new rule must have a 75% approval rating (24 of 32 teams) to pass.
Last year’s rule changes included the implementation of the NFL’s new kickoff format as well as a ban on hip-drop tackles.
