SPORTS
The Pushback on the Push
Green Bay, WI, USATue May 20 2025
The Packers are making another attempt to ban the controversial "tush push" in football. This time, they're taking a broader approach. They want to stop all pushing of the runner, not just the specific move made famous by the Eagles. This isn't the first time the Packers have tried to tackle this issue. Back in 2005, they had a similar proposal, but it didn't go through. The Eagles saw an opportunity and added the push to their playbook. The NFL allowed it because referees rarely flagged it. Now, the Packers are trying again, but they're taking a different angle.
The new proposal is about more than just the tush push. It's about all pushing of the runner. This way, it doesn't seem like they're targeting the Eagles specifically. But let's be real, that's exactly what they're doing. The NFL is split on this. Last time, it was a tie, 16-16. The previous proposal was flawed. It would have caused confusion and inconsistency. Plus, it would have opened up a new way for teams to complain about unfair calls.
So, why are they doing this? They say it's for player safety and the pace of the game. But there's no evidence that pushing the runner is dangerous. And as for the pace of the game, that's a stretch. The only time it might affect the pace is when a defense keeps jumping offside to stop the play. If this proposal passes, it won't stop the Eagles from running their quarterback sneak. They'll just do it without the push. But the NFL doesn't like the tush push. They think it's not football and it's dangerous. So, they're going to ban it.
This sets a bad precedent. The NFL is making up reasons to ban a play they don't like. It raises a big question: What's next? Teams need to keep innovating. But they should be careful. If they come up with something too good, the NFL might find a way to stop it. The NFL is always looking for ways to keep the game fair and safe. But sometimes, they go too far. They ban plays that aren't dangerous and don't affect the game. They make up reasons to justify their decisions. It's a slippery slope. One day, they might ban a play that's not dangerous or unfair. They might ban it just because they don't like it. That's not fair to the teams or the fans.
continue reading...
questions
How will the league ensure consistency in enforcing the new rules against pushing?
What evidence supports the claim that pushing the runner impacts the pace of play?
Could the push to ban the tush push be part of a plan to favor certain teams over others?