Eagles’ Lane Johnson has a subtle response to Packers nudging the NFL to ban the “tush push” play

The Green Bay Packers submitted a proposal to the NFL to ban the Philadelphia Eagles’ controversial tush push.

Eagles’ Lane Johnson has a subtle response to Packers nudging the NFL to ban the “tush push” play

Lane Johnson (Image via Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles OT Lane Johnson had the perfect reaction to the latest NFL controversy surrounding the Eagles’ signature short-yardage play. Johnson, one of the key figures in making the play nearly unstoppable, summed up the situation with humor.

Recent reports surfaced that the Green Bay Packers were the mystery team behind a proposal to ban the “tush push.” The proposal, submitted by Packers team president Mark Murphy, aims to outlaw the play that helped the Eagles dominate on critical downs. Green Bay’s general manager Brian Gutekunst later confirmed the report at the NFL Scouting Combine but didn’t elaborate much.

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The Philadelphia Eagles decimated the Green Bay Packers twice this season. Their mastery of the tush push played a crucial role in their victories over the Packers, including their Wild-Card Weekend win at Lincoln Financial Field. Earlier, the Eagles defeated the Packers in the opening weekend in Brazil. Gutekunst admitted, “I know we haven’t been very successful against it.”

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In a tweet by Dianna Russini of the Athletic addressing the Packers had been the team to propose the ban, Lane Johnson responded with a simple laugh emoji.

The Eagles perfected a legal play, and instead of stopping it, some teams want to remove it entirely. The numbers back up its effectiveness. The Eagles’ dominance with the play has left other teams scrambling—some looking to replicate it, others pushing to eliminate it.

While nearly every NFL team has attempted their own version, none have matched Philly’s efficiency. Critics argue that if the league bans pushing the quarterback at the line of scrimmage, it would set a precedent that could affect other aspects of the game.

Packers fans and officials might not be alone in their opposition. Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has also voiced support for banning push plays. Similarly, Buffalo Bills’ Sean McDermott also raised some concerns. However, for the rule change to take effect, it would require approval from at least 24 of the league’s 32 owners.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ “Tush Push” explained

Per Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports, Philadelphia converted a first down or touchdown on 81.3% of their tush push plays during the 2024 season. When they ran the play on consecutive downs, that success rate skyrocketed to 97.9%. It is without a doubt one of the primary reasons that the Eagles went home with the Lombardi this year.

Philadelphia Eagles' Tush Push
Philadelphia Eagles’ Tush Push (Image via NBC News)

In the Tush Push, the quarterback is propelled forward by teammates positioned behind him, driving him through the defensive line. Typically, the running back and tight end line up behind the quarterback, providing the extra force needed to push him past the defense. This play is highly effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations, boasting the impressive success rate mentioned above.

Weighing a combined 697 pounds, Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson create a formidable wall as Hurts, who squats 600 pounds himself, powers through. Adding center Cam Jurgens and his 303 pounds into the mix makes this an incredibly difficult play to defend. The carefully created strategy is a mix of player strength and strategic brilliance.

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