Bills HC Sean McDermott remains “against” Eagles’ controversial Tush-Push citing injury concerns

The Green Bay Packers submitted a proposal as a part of the NFL evaluation to ban the Philadelphia Eagles’ Tush Push offensive technique.

Bills HC Sean McDermott remains “against” Eagles’ controversial Tush-Push citing injury concerns

Sean McDermott (Image via SBNation.com)

The Green Bay Packers’ proposed plan to ban the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive tactics, Tush Push has found one of its initial supporters once again. Sean McDermott has come forth, adding more fuel to the new initiative.

The Tush Push has been a memorable part of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles, started the regular season in quite a fashion against the Packers in Brazil. The Eagles mastered the craft and sailed smoothly into the playoffs and eventually defeated the defending champions to win their second franchise Super Bowl. The offensive move is not just a tactic but a part of Philly sports culture as well.

Speaking at the NFL owners’ meetings in Florida, Sean McDermott cited player safety as his primary concern. This is not the first time he has raised similar concerns regarding Tush Push and its legality.

“Even though there’s not significant data out there to this point, my biggest concern is the health and safety of the players. It’s added force, number one, and then the posture of the players,” McDermott said.

The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t the only team benefiting from Tush Push. Along with the Eagles, the Bills have combined for 163 tush push attempts in the last three years, which is more than the number of times the rest 30 teams have tried it out. Therefore, obviously, McDermott’s stance is a bit surprising.

Yes, we do a form of this play and we do it well. But I believe both teams can be just as good in a traditional form of a quarterback sneak.

Sean Mcdermott added

Buffalo’s variation of the play differs from the Eagles’ approach. While Philadelphia places three players behind quarterback Jalen Hurts for additional leverage, the Bills typically use only one player behind their 240-pound quarterback, Josh Allen. Despite the difference in execution, both teams have had significant success running the play.

McDermott acknowledged that if the play remains legal, the Bills will continue to use a version of it.

In addition to the tush push ban, McDermott weighed in on another proposed rule change—eliminating automatic first downs for defensive holding or illegal contact. While he acknowledged the potential benefits, he suggested further discussions are needed before implementation.

That’s a tricky one. I think on the surface there’d be some things we’d need to work through to make that a little bit more specific to the game right now.

Sean McDermott said

Shots fired and Tensions flared amid the Tush Push discussions

As discussions heated up during the owners’ meetings, McDermott reportedly engaged in an animated debate with other key figures. The said figures included LA Rams coach Sean McVay, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, and Eagles assistant GM Jon Ferrari. The rule proposal has sparked strong opinions across the league.

Sean McVay, LA Rams
Sean McVay, LA Rams (Image via Turf Show Times)

That’s what I’m tasked to do as a committee member—do what’s best for the overall game and growing the game the right way.

Sean McDermott said about the debates inside the discussion group

Chiefs coach Andy Reid has acknowledged both sides of the argument, suggesting that while it is difficult to stop, it should only be banned if it poses a true safety risk. However, he wants it gone if it puts any player in a bad position.

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin remains undecided, expressing a need for further discussion before forming a stance. Meanwhile, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles have openly opposed the ban, arguing that teams should not be penalized for executing a play effectively.