The National Football League is considering a rule proposal to ban the “tush push” quarterback sneak play, which has been successful for teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. The proposal was made by an unknown team during the scouting combine, but details of the submission were not disclosed.
If approved, the rule change would require 24 out of 32 NFL owners to vote in favor of the ban. Teams have submitted rule proposals each year, which are then put up for a vote by owners. The tush push play involves a team lining up one or more players behind the quarterback to push him forward against the defense.
The Eagles and Bills have combined to run 163 tush pushes over the past three seasons, scoring touchdowns or achieving first downs on 87% of their attempts. However, some coaches, like Buffalo’s Sean McDermott, have expressed concerns about the safety of the play, citing potential injury risks.
McDermott believes that player safety is a top priority and that the techniques used with the tush push play may be contrary to health and safety standards. He has been a member of the competition committee, which has examined the play in previous offseasons but taken no action.
The Eagles’ success with the play has led some to argue against changing the rule. However, NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent says that there are concerns about the play’s safety and that it will be discussed further in March. The proposal is set to be voted on by owners next month at the annual league meeting.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43999371/unidentified-nfl-team-submits-proposal-ban-tush-push