Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave a very straightforward opinion on the Philadelphia Eagles ’ “Tush Push” play. He’s totally fine with it staying in the game and actually sees it as a fun challenge for defenses. Instead of banning it, Campbell believes teams should step up and find ways to stop it.
Despite safety concerns, Dan Campbell sees the play as part of the game’s competitive edge
The “Tush Push” is where players push the quarterback from behind to help gain short yardage, and the Philadelphia Eagles have been super successful with it. While some teams, like the Green Bay Packers, want it banned due to injury concerns, the NFL has delayed making a decision.
At last week’s NFL league meetings, Dan Campbell shared his thoughts on the Tush Push and made it clear why he firmly thinks the play deserves to remain a part of the game. “I am of the school that they found something and it’s up to everybody else to stop it. So I’m a hard yes,” Campbell told reports.
Any team can use the Eagles’ Tush Push, but Philly does it best converting around 86% compared to the league’s 76%. The big offseason question is whether the Tush Push will be banned due to injury concerns, despite little evidence. Sixteen teams support a ban or change, but 24 votes are needed.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes if wants it gone, he can make it happen. “I think if we go and we parse through what the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters at his post-league meeting press conference, I think it became pretty apparent that he and others want the tush push out of the game,” Schefter said.
“There are 16 votes that they’ve gotten. 16 teams willing to overturn the Tush Push and have it banned.”The league needs 24 votes. And Roger Goodell is a master at getting the votes he needs for the issues he wants… Rest be assured, they’re going to be working to get those 24 votes before the main meeting in Minneapolis. And I believe, ultimately, they will get them.”
For now, the Tush Push remains legal, but its future hangs in the balance. All eyes are on next month’s owners meeting until then, the debate isn’t going anywhere. Whether it stays or goes, one thing is clear: the Eagles have changed the game, and the rest of the league is still trying to catch up.
