Bills’ Sean McDermott raises concerns about Eagles’ infamous “tush push” amid Packers’ plea to ban the play

After the Packers proposed to ban the Eagles' infamous tush push play, Bills' head coach Sean McDermott voiced safety concerns about it.

Bills’ Sean McDermott raises concerns about Eagles’ infamous “tush push” amid Packers’ plea to ban the play

Sean McDermott raises concerns about Eagles' infamous tush push play (Via NBC Sports/Flashscore)

Lately, the NFL’s “Tush Push” play has become a focal point of controversy, with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills being the most effective users of this tactic. There have been a lot of discussions about its safety and fairness that even compelled the Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott to voice his concerns. 

With the tush-push play under scrutiny, the Green Bay Packers have reportedly proposed banning this play, citing a lack of skill involved and the potential for automatic first downs on short-yardage plays. Packers CEO Mark Murphy expressed his dissatisfaction with the play, stating it is “bad for the game” and should be prohibited again, as it once was, via the team’s official website.

YouTube video

Joining in the ongoing conversation, McDermott, who is a member of the NFL’s Competition Committee, expressed potential safety concerns regarding the infamous “tush-push” despite his team enjoying great benefits from it.

FS Video

“To me, there’s always been an injury risk with that play, and I’ve expressed that opinion for the last couple of years,” said McDermott, via ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg.

It’s just that play to me has always been… or the way that the techniques that are used with that play, to me have been potentially contrary to the health and safety of the players. And so again, you have to go back though in fairness to the injury data on the play, but I just think the optics of it, I’m not in love with.

Sean McDermott said

The “Tush-Push” controversy is set to take center stage in the NFL discussions this offseason, given that the league previously outlawed the hip-hop tackle and introduced a revised kickoff format– all from the perspective of player safety. 

Sean McDermott explains Bills’ unique approach to Tush Push compared to Eagles

Originally referred to as “Brotherly Shove,” the “Tush Push” play has been a staple in the NFL for several years and evolved significantly. The 2024 season marked a turning point in its visibility, largely due to Philly’s successful implementation. And after their Super Bowl LIX victory, the play came under intense scrutiny. 

“We do it a little bit different than other teams,” added McDermott further, explaining that the Bills’ strategic implementation of this play compared to the Eagles.

Buffalo Bills' tush push play
Buffalo Bills’ tush push play (Via Buffalo News)

One team in particular, who does it a certain way, that’s the one that is really, there’s just so much force behind that player… what we teach technique, in this case, what we ask our players to do, health and safety number one.

Sean McDermott continued

Regardless of Buffalo’s cautious implementation, the play does allow the players to push the ball carrier from behind with huge force. However, it will remain intact unless 24 teams agree to revise the rule. 

Related: Ashton Jeanty deciding not to participate in any drills at NFL Combine doesn’t sit well with fans – “Is he scared”