NFL directs officials to maintain vigilant watch over Tush Pushes and QB sneaks after heated debate in Week 2
The Tush Push, a quarterback sneak play, has been a topic of discussion among NFL officials this season. With the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams set to square off on Sunday, a meeting of two undefeated NFC teams, the play has once again taken centre stage.
Officials have been instructed to ensure offensive linemen are not lining up in the neutral zone, especially in a bunch play, including on the Tush Push. This reminder comes a week after the Eagles used the play six times against the Chiefs, including on the game-sealing touchdown.
The NFL has also highlighted potential offensive offside and false starts on the Tush Push. In Week 1, the New Orleans Saints were flagged for offensive offside on a push sneak play against the Arizona Cardinals. However, so far this season, no flags have been thrown for the play involving the Eagles.
The Eagles, led by Jason Kelce and team owner Jeffrey Lurie, gave an impassioned defense of the push sneak play at the league meetings in May. The team argues that the absence of injury in the data shows the play is no more dangerous than any other scrimmage play.
However, the play has faced criticism due to its potential injury risk, difficulty in officiating, and unappealing visual appearance. Some have even proposed a rule change to effectively ban the push sneak play, like the Green Bay Packers did in the offseason, but the proposal was defeated, falling two votes shy of the necessary two-thirds vote.
Kelce stated that officials need to be very cautious because the calls on the Tush Push are expected to start coming. He anticipates increased scrutiny on the play moving forward. The Eagles host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, a rematch of their Week 12 meeting last year, where the Eagles went 1-for-2 on the push sneak play.
If a false start is clear and obvious, it should be called, according to sources. However, false starts on the Tush Push can be difficult to officiate due to the close alignment of players. Officials have been reminded to ensure players are aligned legally before the snap on the Tush Push and similar plays.
As the Eagles and Rams prepare for their highly anticipated showdown, the Tush Push will undoubtedly play a role in the strategic planning of both teams. The outcome of this play could very well determine the winner of this crucial matchup.
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