Philadelphia Eagles fans might find it disheartening, but there’s a sentiment from a notable NFL figure suggesting that a particular play should be outlawed. A source disclosed to Dianna Russini of The Athletic that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is advocating for the elimination of the “tush push” from the game in the upcoming season.
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have found considerable success with the “tush push,” also known as “The Brotherly Shove,” especially in crucial fourth-and-1 situations. In this play, typically executed by the Eagles, Hurts lines up behind All-Pro center Jason Kelce with two players behind him. Upon snapping the ball, Hurts falls forward, aided by the two players who essentially push him beyond the necessary mark for a first down or a goal-line touchdown.
Complicating matters for the Eagles is the fact that three members of the competition committee hail from NFC East rivals of Philadelphia, as per the report. Members include John Mara, owner of the New York Giants, Stephen Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Cowboys, and Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders.
However, Eagles fans can find some reassurance in the possibility that Stephen Jones may not necessarily vote against the play. This optimism stems from Jerry Jones, his father and Cowboys owner, expressing earlier in the season that he is a fan of the “tush push.”
The Eagles’ success with the “tush push” seemed to irk the Buffalo Bills during Philadelphia’s thrilling 37-34 victory this past Sunday. In the first quarter, the Bills’ Jordan Phillips jumped through the line early, making contact with Eagles right guard Cam Jurgens in the backfield. Although Phillips was penalized for being offside, Jason Kelce argued in a radio interview that he should have faced a more severe penalty, condemning it as a “bulls–t play.”
Kelce claimed during the appearance on WIP in Philadelphia, “I thought it was bulls–t at the time. I’ve been running that play for a lot of years, and I have seen people jump offside. He made zero effort to stop after he jumped offside. He purposely tried to hurt Cam Jurgens. I thought it should have been a personal foul, and I think he should be fined for that play.”
Surprisingly, Phillips did not receive a fine for the play, potentially prompting other teams to adopt similar tactics to impede “The Brotherly Shove,” according to NBC Sports’ Mike Florio.
