Problems Officiating the Tush Push Could Be the New Argument to Support Banning It

The Philadelphia Eagles’ “Tush Push” has become one of the most polarizing plays in the NFL, sparking heated debate over its place in professional football. During a thrilling Super Bowl rematch on September 14, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium, the Eagles employed the play seven times to secure a 20-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, handing Patrick Mahomes his first three-game losing streak and the Chiefs their first 0-2 start since 2014. However, the play’s execution raised significant concerns about officiating, with missed calls and ambiguous rulings prompting renewed calls for a ban. This article explores the Tush Push’s mechanics, its controversial history, the officiating challenges it presents, and the growing argument for its prohibition in the NFL.

Understanding the Tush Push

The Tush Push, also known as the “Brotherly Shove,” is a short-yardage play perfected by the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly under quarterback Jalen Hurts. The play involves a quarterback sneak where Hurts lines up under center, and teammates—often including running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Grant Calcaterra—push him from behind in a rugby-style scrum to gain critical yards. The Eagles’ offensive line, one of the league’s strongest, creates a surge, making the play nearly unstoppable in goal-line and third-and-short situations.

The play’s effectiveness was on full display during the Eagles’ Week 2 victory over the Chiefs. Hurts scored a crucial touchdown on a Tush Push in the fourth quarter, giving Philadelphia a 20-10 lead. The Eagles used the play seven times, converting key first downs and sealing the game with a final push in the last two minutes. Its success rate—estimated at over 90% for the Eagles—has made it a go-to strategy, but its physicality and the strain it places on officiating have fueled controversy.

A History of Controversy

The Tush Push has been a lightning rod since its rise to prominence in the 2022 season. Opponents argue that the play is unfair, overly physical, and aesthetically unappealing, dubbing it the “NFL’s ugliest play.” In the 2025 offseason, the Green Bay Packers proposed an amendment to the NFL rulebook to ban the play, citing safety concerns and its deviation from traditional football strategy. The proposal, which required 24 of 32 team owners’ votes to pass, fell two votes short, allowing the Tush Push to remain legal.

The debate intensified during the 2025 NFC Championship Game, where the Eagles’ 55-23 rout of the Washington Commanders showcased the play’s dominance. The Commanders, desperate to stop it, committed multiple offsides penalties, prompting officials to issue a warning that further infractions could result in an automatic touchdown for Philadelphia. This sequence, reported by Pro Football Network, underscored the play’s ability to disrupt defensive strategies and frustrate opponents.

Critics, including former NFL Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino, have voiced frustration with the play’s impact. During the Eagles-Chiefs broadcast, Blandino declared, “I am done with the tush push, guys. It’s a hard play to officiate.” His comments echoed a growing sentiment that the play’s complexity and physicality create challenges that officials struggle to manage.

Officiating Challenges

The Tush Push presents unique difficulties for NFL officials, primarily due to its chaotic nature and the speed at which it unfolds. Several specific issues have emerged, as highlighted during the Eagles-Chiefs game and other high-profile matchups:

1. False Starts by the Offensive Line: In the fourth quarter against the Chiefs, Tom Brady, serving as a Fox broadcaster, pointed out that two Eagles offensive linemen moved early during Hurts’ touchdown-scoring Tush Push. Replays confirmed the false start, but no penalty was called, frustrating Kansas City’s coaching staff and players. Chiefs coach Andy Reid noted, “I might have had a couple of them that they got off a little early on, but we’ll look at that.” Similarly, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones remarked, “You can’t get all the calls right,” acknowledging the difficulty officials face in real time.

2. Ball Possession and Spotting: In the final two minutes of the Eagles-Chiefs game, Hurts appeared to lose the ball during a Tush Push but was ruled down, securing a first down that effectively ended the game. The ambiguous ruling drew scrutiny, with Blandino noting the challenge of determining possession in the play’s scrum-like formation. The rapid pile-up of players obscures officials’ views, making it difficult to pinpoint when the ball is fumbled or when the play is dead.

3. Defensive Infractions: Defenses, desperate to counter the Tush Push, often resort to aggressive tactics, such as jumping offsides to disrupt the play’s timing. In the NFC Championship, the Commanders’ repeated offsides penalties led to a warning from officials, illustrating how the play forces defenders into risky decisions that can result in penalties. This dynamic shifts the burden onto officials to make split-second judgments under intense pressure.

4. Neutral Zone Violations: Eagles coach Nick Sirianni countered Chiefs’ complaints by suggesting that Kansas City defenders were lining up in the neutral zone during Tush Push plays, a violation that went uncalled. This back-and-forth highlights the play’s ability to create confusion, as officials must monitor both offensive and defensive alignments simultaneously.

These challenges were evident to a national television audience during the Eagles-Chiefs game, amplifying calls for a ban. As NBC New York reported, “Those who oppose the play must’ve cringed watching the Eagles use it repeatedly in front of a national television audience. There’s no doubt many of the decision-makers noticed.”

The Argument for Banning the Tush Push

The officiating difficulties have become a central argument for banning the Tush Push, adding to existing concerns about safety and fairness. Proponents of a ban, including the 22 teams that voted in favor during the offseason, cite several reasons:

• Safety Concerns: The play’s physicality, with multiple players pushing in a confined space, raises the risk of injuries, particularly to the neck, back, and lower body. While no major injuries have been directly linked to the Tush Push, the potential for harm has been a sticking point, especially given the NFL’s focus on player safety.

• Unfair Advantage: The Eagles’ near-perfect success rate with the play, driven by their elite offensive line and Hurts’ strength, gives them a perceived unfair edge. Opponents argue that it reduces the strategic complexity of short-yardage situations, turning them into a test of brute force rather than skill.

• Aesthetic Criticism: Described as “bully ball” and the “NFL’s ugliest play,” the Tush Push lacks the visual appeal of traditional passing or running plays. Its rugby-like nature clashes with the NFL’s emphasis on dynamic, highlight-worthy action, alienating some fans and analysts.

• Officiating Burden: The play’s complexity overwhelms officials, leading to inconsistent calls that can sway game outcomes. The missed false start in the Eagles-Chiefs game and the controversial ball-spotting ruling underscore how the Tush Push can create pivotal moments that hinge on subjective decisions. As Blandino’s frustration suggests, these challenges erode confidence in officiating integrity.

The combination of these factors has led to a groundswell of support for revisiting the ban in the 2026 offseason. Posts on X, such as one from @NFL on September 11, 2025, highlighted the defensive struggle against the play, with Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu reflecting on the difficulty of stopping it. This sentiment, coupled with officiating controversies, strengthens the case for prohibition.

Counterarguments and the Eagles’ Defense

Despite the push for a ban, the Eagles and their supporters argue that the Tush Push is a legitimate strategy that rewards preparation and execution. Key counterarguments include:

• Skill and Execution: The Eagles’ success with the play stems from their superior offensive line and Hurts’ ability to maintain balance under pressure. Sirianni has emphasized that the play requires precise timing and coordination, dismissing claims that it’s merely a power move.

• Defensive Accountability: Sirianni’s assertion that Chiefs defenders were offsides suggests that opponents must improve their discipline to counter the play. The Eagles argue that banning it would penalize their innovation rather than encouraging better defensive strategies.

• Precedent in Football: The Tush Push is a variation of the quarterback sneak, a staple of football for decades. Proponents argue that banning it would set a precedent for outlawing other physical plays, potentially altering the game’s essence.

Eagles fans, as reported by CBS Philadelphia, celebrated the play’s role in their victory over the Chiefs, viewing it as a testament to the team’s physical dominance. The play’s legal status, upheld by the narrow vote in the offseason, reflects the NFL’s hesitation to eliminate a strategy that one team has mastered.

The Broader Context

The Tush Push debate reflects broader tensions in the NFL about balancing tradition, innovation, and fairness. The play’s prominence coincides with other controversial trends, such as the increased physicality of short-yardage situations and the challenge of officiating in real time. The NFL’s decision to allow teams to review certain plays via replay has not fully addressed concerns about the Tush Push, as its rapid execution limits the effectiveness of video review.

Moreover, the play’s visibility in high-profile games, such as the Super Bowl rematch and the NFC Championship, ensures that it remains a focal point for league decision-makers. The Week noted the irony that a play nearly banned continues to dominate headlines, suggesting that its officiating challenges could tip the scales in favor of a ban.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 season progresses, the Tush Push will likely remain a flashpoint. The Eagles’ continued success with the play, coupled with officiating controversies, strengthens the case for revisiting the ban. The NFL Competition Committee is expected to review the play again in the offseason, with officiating challenges likely to be a central argument. If adopted, a ban could take the form of a rule prohibiting players from pushing the ball carrier from behind, effectively neutralizing the Tush Push’s core mechanic.

For now, the Eagles will continue to leverage the play’s effectiveness, particularly in their playoff push. With a 2-0 start and a commanding performance against the Chiefs, Philadelphia is poised for a deep postseason run, potentially forcing opponents to adapt or suffer. The Tush Push, love it or hate it, has redefined short-yardage football, and its fate will shape the NFL’s future.

the Tush Push’s officiating challenges, highlighted by missed calls and ambiguous rulings in high-stakes games, have reignited calls for a ban. While the Eagles defend its legitimacy, the play’s impact on fairness, safety, and officiating integrity fuels a compelling case for prohibition. As the NFL grapples with this controversy, the Tush Push remains a testament to the sport’s evolving nature—and the challenges of balancing innovation with tradition.