While Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson does not like the Tush Push, one NFL analyst does not seem to mind the play. What makes the National Football League special is the ability to adapt and adjust according to the rules. Coaches spend 40 or more hours a week away from their families, attempting to scheme. Innovation leads to winning, which brings job security and extensions.
With just 32 head coaching jobs at the highest level of football, keeping one of those jobs becomes more difficult with each passing season. Coaches bounce between roles as teachers, generals, and inventors. With that line of thinking, craft larger concepts into a team-specific one. A former NFL quarterback chimes in and offers a clear-minded critique.
NFL Analyst Puts Spin on Ben Johnson’s Tush Push Thoughts
This week, NFL owners voted 22-10 to keep the Tush Push play legal for 2025. The measure, originally introduced by the Green Bay Packers, sought to outlaw the play.
The play takes place in short-yardage situations, and the offense can line up in a tight formation. From there, the quarterback lowers his frame as the interior of the line barrels forward.
Moreover, the running backs would help push the quarterback and the pile. This is a play that has been perfected only by the Philadelphia Eagles. Most other teams have not only failed to perfect it, but also struggle to have any success with it.
During a press conference, Bears rookie head coach Ben Johnson offered his take on the controversial play. Pro Football Talk released this video, in which Johnson voices his dislike of the play. In rebuttal, former NFL quarterback and current analyst for NBC Chris Simms brings the new coach’s beliefs into focus.
“It’s cool that he said that,” Simms said. “What we’re speaking to is that the Eagles are special at it. The players are special. Not everybody in football feels like their team can line up in those formations and actually get the results that they want all the time. So, they may do that at times, but he wants some other avenues to keep you on edge, too.”
Simms continued, “It’s not everybody’s cup of tea. The Chiefs are the best football team we’ve seen over the last seven years. They had their quarterback get hurt on it, on a Thursday night against the Broncos. They haven’t done it since.”
Both Johnson and Simms hit the nail on the head. Johnson lives by the chunk yardage play, which earned him a head coaching job. Simms understands the skill it takes to execute the play, and not every team can. This article perfectly explains the Tush Push, from the history to the execution.
Throwback to our most recent Tush Push 😉 pic.twitter.com/OKJBSZFWGw
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles)
The Tush Push is the spam musubi or bratwurst of football. Everyone knows what it is, but not everyone likes it. The league, via vote, deems it legal, and that is where the debate should end. As for Johnson, playing in the NFC North could require something similar in the elements that will make an impact on games.