If the Philadelphia Eagles successfully execute the “tush push” against Denver on Sunday, Broncos coach Sean Payton will tip his cap to what he considers a well conceived play.
A long-time supporter of the controversial play despite not implementing it in Denver’s offensive scheme, Payton said he questions the motives behind those around the league who have attempted to ban the short-yardage play popularized and oft-executed by the Eagles.
Philadelphia converted 28-of-34 tush push attempts last season.
A proposal to ban the tush push fell short of the required 24 votes at the NFL owners meetings in May, with ESPN reporting the final vote was 22-10. While the Broncos were reportedly one of those 22 teams, Payton has long been in favor of it.
Critics have cited several issues with the rugby-style play, from aesthetics to competitive reasons. But Payton’s skeptic alarm rang when detractors began citing healthy and safety concerns minus any conclusive supporting data.
“I was one that stood up in favor of (the tush push). The reason I stood up in favor of is pretty simple. If the powers to be don’t want it for aesthetic reasons, or competitive reasons, or it’s hard to officiate, etc.,” Payton said on Tuesday. “I’ve been involved in those meetings for a long time, and when all of the sudden health and safety was pulled into that which might be the safest play in football, my (bulls–t) nose kind of went up.”
Also nicknamed the “Brotherly Shove,” the play typically features Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts taking the snap in short-yards situations and driving his legs forward while being pushed from behind.
Philadelphia introduced new wrinkles into the play in last week’s win at Tampa Bay. There was a fake tush push that resulted in a touchdown by running back Saquon Barkley, while Hurts threw for another score on another variation of the play.
“I think credit Philadelphia. Take a peek at this past week’s touchdown off the tush push look, and it was a sweep to the left,” Payton said in a video conference Tuesday. “I’m one that looks at it as long as the line of scrimmage is clean, that it’s a well-run quarterback sneak. When you really evaluate it, it’s more the technique of the sneak than the push.
“You go all the way back to (1967), Green Bay against Dallas in the ‘Ice Bowl’ and (Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback) Bart Starr crosses the goal line with someone pushing a little bit behind him. So I was one that was in favor of leaving it alone on Philly’s side.”
Green Bay was the team that drafted the proposal, reportedly at the suggestion of the NFL, citing player safety concerns. There have been additional concerns raised this season, with officials reportedly having been instructed to place more emphasis on ensuring the offensive line doesn’t move until the ball is snapped.
“I am done with the tush push guys. It’s a hard play to officiate,” FOX NFL rules analyst Dean Blandino said earlier this month.
The Packers play the Eagles on Nov. 10 in a “Monday Night Football” game at Lambeau Field.
The Eagles defeated the Packers twice last season — in the season opener at Brazil and in a postseason rematch at Philadelphia — and are 3-0 in the matchup since coach Nick Sirianni was hired in 2021.