Home/NFL

Tush Push is a Philadelphia Eagles’ play. But it has stirred controversy this season, with debates arising over its resemblance to a rugby play rather than a skillful football maneuver. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, former Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata, spoke on how his team pulls the “controversial” play with such perfection that the NFL might ban it.

Moreover, heightened concerns about injuries have prompted discussions, with the league considering a potential ban starting next year. Despite the scrutiny, Mailata, representing the Eagles, who have excelled in executing the tush push, shed light on the team’s strategic approach when incorporating this play.

Jordan Mailata – “Gonna keep the secrets close to my chest”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Jordan Mailata revealed – in an exclusive with EssentiallySports – the upcoming thrill on 2nd March for the very first time in America. He informed that the American audience can now experience a different NRL Telstra Premiership season. One that will be without pads, helmets, and timeouts. Besides this, Mailata also talked about the Eagles’ tush push. He was asked about the strategy and perfection of the controversial play.

To which, the Eagles offensive tackle smiled and revealed the team’s approach, saying, “It’s more of a technique thing, man. I think a lot of our lines just dive at your knees and stop driving their feet and just flop. But we talk about it a lot in our line room on how we want to execute it and just talk about good angles and what makes the play work.” However, he stopped and playfully said, “And I don’t want to give my secrets away, but if they ban the play next season, then I’ll give the secrets away. Until then, I’m gonna keep the secrets close to my chest.

The “tush push” is Eagles’ most unstoppable and feared plays. However, due to its “rugby scrum” nature, that gives the Eagles an edge in the game (about 93.5% success rate in 2022 season), has ignited the NFL committee to think over its presence in the league.

Will the tush push be banned next year?

The tush push is a tactic similar to the quarterback sneak, with players behind the quarterback pushing him forward. Effective for the Eagles, opponents struggle to stop it. So, will this strategic play be banned from the next season? Well, rule changes typically occur in the offseason, requiring 75% owner support. So, as per the last update, the NFL is yet to decide on the tush push play ban.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

USA Today via Reuters

NFL executive Troy Vincent emphasized the problematic aspects of not altering rules solely due to one team’s success with a play. Regarding the play, another NFL executive, Jeff Miller, noted, “there is not a big enough sample size to determine whether it is dangerous to player safety,”

Read more: Exclusive: Jordan Mailata Breaks Silence on Rumors Around Eagles Locker-Room Dysfunction: “Trying to Fix Everything”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Therefore, the league remains undecided on banning or keeping the tush push. What do you think, should tush push be banned? Comment down below!

Watch this Story: Coach Jim Harbaugh Sets The Record Straight On Michigan’s Sign-Stealing Incident