Packers submit proposal to ban 'Tush Push' play, per reports
(This story was updated to include new information.)
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.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic was the first to report that the team proposing the rule change was the Packers. Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed that fact at the NFL combine on Tuesday.
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, the Packers are trying to get it banned.
Representatives from NFL football operations declined to answer a media inquiry on the specifics of the proposal, so it's unclear exactly what the Packers hope 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 Green Bay 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.