In Green Bay, Wisconsin, a notable proposal regarding a rule change is making waves ahead of the upcoming Spring League Meeting. The Green Bay Packers have submitted a revised proposal aimed at banning the tush push play. This announcement came on Monday, and the discussion, along with a potential vote, is projected to take place later this week after this topic was tabled during the Annual League Meeting on April 1.
The updated proposal seeks to prohibit pushing or pulling a runner “in any direction at any time,” as well as lifting a player to his feet. This approach hints at a broader rule set that echoes the regulations from the league’s inception until 2005, as reported by various insiders. If this proposal is approved, it will not only outlaw the tush push but also any play where a runner receives assistance through pushing, pulling, or lifting, effectively banning “assisting the runner.”
At the annual league meeting, many discussions leaned towards reverting to previous language, and this revision reflects those conversations. The tush push play, which has been famously and successfully utilized by the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts, is essentially a variation of the QB sneak. In critical short-yardage situations, Hurts teams up with a couple of teammates who help push him forward from behind, hence the playful names of tush push and “Brotherly Shove.” While other teams have experimented with this tactic, none have matched the Eagles’ success with it. Critics argue that the play poses safety risks, however, there hasn’t been substantial evidence to back that up.
The primary rationale behind the revised proposal remains centered on player safety and improving the pace of play. This amendment is one of three significant rule changes that were introduced on Monday. The other two proposals include adjustments regarding procedures for free kicks and alterations to postseason seeding determined by team records instead of division finishes.
The Spring League Meeting is set to unfold over the next two days, where these important discussions will take place. As the league continues to evolve, all eyes will be on these potential changes that could impact gameplay moving forward.
