Philadelphia Eagles' Tush Push Under Fire: NFL Teams Want It Banned; GM Calls Them 'Soft'

The Philadelphia Eagles have perfected one of football's most unstoppable plays—the infamous "Tush Push." Although very effective, the play has grown controversial, with some NFL teams calling for it to be banned this off-season.

Yet, not everybody thinks it is wise to abolish a play because it is hard to defend.

Some Teams Want the Tush Push Banned

Philadelphia Eagles' Tush Push Under Fire: NFL Teams Want It

As Bleacher Report discovered, the Green Bay Packers led the charge to prohibit the Tush Push, and they have some company. To corroborate the Packers' initiative, several teams have complained about the play, suggesting it gives teams an unfair advantage and might create safety issues.

The NFL's competition committee deliberated on the proposal in the days leading up to league meetings, with the word being that it had gained some support from league executives.

Pushback from NFL Executives and Coaches

Although some in the league agree with banning the Tush Push, others find this action unwarranted and driven by anger instead of equality.

"You want my real opinion on this?" one NFL GM told Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. "I think it's pretty soft to ban a play just because you can't stop it. I'll leave the names out of it, but I think you know who I'm talking about."

Aside from the unnamed GM, another NFL executive appeared to support the opinion, stating that the proposal for the Tush Push Ban was "weak and smelling of jealousy.

The rule change, this executive said, would unfairly single out the Eagles for being good at a legal football tactic.

League Votes to Table Ban Until May

As debates on prohibiting the Tush Push picked up steam, however, the motion was again tabled. At the same time, the kickoff rule change, replay assist, and other changes have been approved immediately.

At the recent league meetings, NFL owners pushed the vote to May, giving more time to research the effect of the play on the game and on player safety.

According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, 16 teams opposed the rule change. Many franchises support continued analysis of the play rather than an outright ban, leaving the Eagles free to use their signature move, at least for now.

Does the Tush Push Increase Injury Risks?

One of the strongest arguments supporting banning the Tush Push is the risk of injury. Many feel the play puts too much stress on participants, especially quarterbacks and offensive linemen.

If additional studies determine there is a definite rise in injuries directly associated with the play, the support to ban it might increase by the time the vote is made in May.