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Philadelphia Eagles Coach Defends Tush Push Amid Calls for Ban
Nick Sirianni, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, has voiced strong opposition to the Green Bay Packers’ initiative to prohibit the controversial “tush push” play. During an appearance at the NFL’s scouting combine, Sirianni emphasized the meticulous effort that the Eagles put into executing the play, which involves teammates pushing quarterback Jalen Hurts to gain crucial yardage.
Sirianni expressed his feelings about the dismissal of the play, stating, “It’s insulting to say because we’re good at it, so it’s automatic.” His comments reflect the hard work and strategic planning that the Eagles have invested in perfecting this maneuver, which they have effectively utilized in short-yardage situations over the last three seasons, notably during their Super Bowl victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
In confirmation of the proposal, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged that the team has indeed submitted a request to eliminate the tush push, a tactic that has gained popularity across the league. “We really haven’t had very many discussions about it,” Gutekunst noted, indicating that more deliberation will occur as the owners’ meetings approach.
This proposal comes in the wake of the Eagles’ successful playoff campaign where they triumphed over the Packers. The NFL Competition Committee is expected to review the proposal, with potential voting scheduled for next month in Florida. The tush push had previously been a topic of discussion, but this marks the first formal move to abolish it.
Other teams, including the Buffalo Bills, have adopted a similar strategy, successfully pushing quarterback Josh Allen in short-yardage situations. However, this tactic did not come without its challenges, as evidenced by a pivotal fourth-down failure against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
Sirianni pointed out that the Bills’ unsuccessful attempt highlighted the skill required for the play, stating, “I watch every first-and-goal fail, and sometimes that one starts at the one-yard line.” He pointed to the Eagles’ proficiency in executing the play, while also questioning the fairness of prohibiting it due to their success.
On the opposing side, Gutekunst acknowledged the Packers’ struggles to both execute and defend against the play. “I know we’re not very successful against it. It’s been around for a while,” he admitted but added that he had yet to put significant thought into the matter.
Adding to the controversy, Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy previously criticized the tush push as detrimental to the game, calling it “almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less.” Murphy advocates for prohibiting actions that aid runners, suggesting that the play lacks tactical prowess.
Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris has also expressed his disapproval. He stated, “I’ve never been a fan … I definitely will be one of the guys voting against it.” Similarly, Bills coach Sean McDermott has raised concerns over player safety, indicating that the techniques employed during the play may violate health protocols. McDermott noted, “You have to go back through, in fairness, to the injury data on the play.”
However, Sirianni maintains that injury risks associated with the tush push are overstated, claiming, “I can’t remember one injury we had on that play.” His defense of the play underscores the Eagles’ commitment to maintaining their competitive edge while navigating the evolving landscape of NFL regulations.
Source
www.theguardian.com