The Tush Push: A Controversial NFL Tactic That Divides Coaches and Teams

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, few plays have sparked as much debate as the “tush push.” This controversial short-yardage tactic, popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, has become a focal point of discussion among coaches, players, and fans alike. As the 2025 season unfolds, the effectiveness and legality of the tush push continue to be scrutinized, revealing a divide in the league that reflects broader themes of strategy, safety, and innovation.

The Tush Push: A Game-Changer for the Eagles

The Eagles have turned the tush push into a near-automatic conversion, boasting a staggering success rate of 96.6% on fourth-and-1 situations since 2022. This play involves quarterback Jalen Hurts taking the snap and surging forward, aided by teammates pushing him from behind. The simplicity of the play belies its effectiveness, as it has become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive strategy.

In a recent Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Atlanta Falcons faced a critical fourth-and-1 situation at the Buccaneers’ 47-yard line. Instead of opting for the tush push, Falcons coach Raheem Morris called for a handoff to star running back Bijan Robinson, who was stopped for no gain. The Buccaneers capitalized on this decision, scoring on the ensuing possession and ultimately winning the game 23-20. Morris’s skepticism about the tush push reflects a broader concern among some coaches regarding its legality and safety.

A Divided League: Supporters and Detractors

While the Eagles have embraced the tush push, only nine NFL teams have attempted the play ten or more times since its rise to prominence. Four teams-New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, and Miami Dolphins-have yet to attempt it at all. Even the Indianapolis Colts, under head coach Shane Steichen, who previously championed the play in Philadelphia, have only tried it three times since 2023, with no successful conversions.

The reluctance to adopt the tush push can be attributed to various factors. Some coaches express concerns about the risk of injury to quarterbacks, while others simply lack the personnel suited for the play. The Eagles’ offensive line, known for its strength and cohesion, plays a crucial role in the success of the tush push. Without a formidable front, the play becomes less viable.

The Eagles’ Dominance: A Case Study

The Eagles’ success with the tush push can be traced back to a pivotal moment in October 2022. During a game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Eagles first integrated the play into their offensive scheme. Facing a first-and-goal from the one-yard line, Hurts executed the tush push flawlessly, scoring a touchdown. This moment marked a turning point for the Eagles, as they began to rely heavily on the play in short-yardage situations.

Since then, the Eagles have attempted the tush push 116 times, including six attempts in a recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, in contrast, struggled on a critical fourth-and-1 play, highlighting the stark difference in execution between the two teams. The Eagles’ ability to convert in these situations has led to frustration among opponents, including Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who has accused Eagles linemen of committing false starts.

The NFL’s Copycat Nature: Why Aren’t More Teams Trying It?

The NFL is often described as a “copycat league,” where successful strategies are quickly adopted by other teams. However, the reluctance to embrace the tush push raises questions about its replicability. The league average success rate for fourth-and-1 plays not involving the tush push is 67%, while the Eagles’ rate stands at an impressive 84.8%. Despite this disparity, many teams remain hesitant to implement the play.

Coaches like Kellen Moore, who previously served as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, acknowledge the difficulty in replicating the success of the tush push. “They’re the ones that are doing it, and all of us have tried to replicate it in some way,” Moore stated. The unique combination of Hurts’ physicality and the Eagles’ offensive line prowess creates a synergy that is challenging for other teams to replicate.

Safety Concerns: A Growing Debate

The debate surrounding the tush push is not solely about its effectiveness; it also encompasses safety concerns. During league meetings in May, a proposal to ban the play narrowly failed, with 22 teams voting in favor of the ban. Proponents of the ban argue that the play poses a risk to player safety, particularly for quarterbacks who are exposed to significant contact during the scrum.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the need for safety in the game, stating, “It’s not about success; it’s about safety here.” This sentiment resonates with many coaches who prefer to avoid putting their quarterbacks in harm’s way. The Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy, noted that they have developed alternative strategies for short-yardage situations that do not involve the tush push.

The Future of the Tush Push: A Tactical Dilemma

As the 2025 season progresses, the future of the tush push remains uncertain. While the Eagles continue to excel with the play, other teams are grappling with the decision to adopt it. The reluctance to embrace the tush push may stem from a combination of philosophical beliefs, personnel limitations, and safety concerns.

Coaches like Tennessee Titans center Lloyd Cushenberry III emphasize the importance of technique in executing the play effectively. “You’ve just got to have the perfect technique,” he stated. However, even teams with strong offensive lines may hesitate to implement the tush push if they lack the right quarterback or overall strategy.

Conclusion: A Play That Defines a Generation

The tush push has emerged as a defining play in the NFL, encapsulating the complexities of modern football. As teams weigh the benefits and risks of adopting this tactic, the divide between supporters and detractors continues to grow. The Eagles’ success with the tush push serves as a testament to their innovative approach, while the reluctance of other teams to embrace it highlights the challenges of replicating success in a league that thrives on competition and adaptation.

As the season unfolds, the fate of the tush push will likely remain a topic of heated discussion, reflecting the broader themes of strategy, safety, and the relentless pursuit of victory in the NFL.