In Week 11, Dan Campbell and his Detroit Lions will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football at Lincoln Financial Field. Led by Jared Goff, the Lions have a 6-3 record, while Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are 7-2.
Both teams match up well against one another. In PFSN’s Offensive Impact metrics, the Lions rank seventh, compared to the Eagles at 13th. In PFSN’s Defensive Impact metrics, the Lions are ahead again, ranked eighth, while the Eagles are 14th. Both teams are known for their competitiveness and grit, with the Eagles also being renowned for the famous and controversial play, the Tush Push. Campbell was asked about the play in a media session and did not hold back in giving his honest thoughts.
What Dan Campbell Said About the Tush Push
In a presser with the media, Campbell said he doesn’t believe elements like the Tush Push should be removed from the game.
“I’m a purist,” he said. “You take something out of the game, then we’re taking the next thing out of the game, and pretty soon we don’t have pads anymore. Then pretty soon you’re only playing 30 minutes. … They’ve got a niche, they’ve found something, they’re good at it, and it’s for everybody else to stop. It’s unique and it’s physical, and more than anything I don’t want to take anything out of the game, I want to leave it alone.”
#Lions HC Dan Campbell wants the Eagles’ tush-push to stay legal:
“I’m a purist. You take something out of the game, then we’re taking the next thing out of the game, and pretty soon we don’t have pads anymore. Then pretty soon you’re only playing 30 minutes. … They’ve got a… https://t.co/KCC7WZgi5f pic.twitter.com/kkVN06Pggi
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 12, 2025
However, not many people share Campbell’s sentiment. Most want it banned, believing it actively diminishes the experience of watching football. Additionally, there are concerns with how the play is officiated.
Often, during the Tush Push, a lineman commits a false start that goes unnoticed. This usually involves one of the guards, such as Landon Dickerson or Tyler Steen. False starts provide an unfair advantage, which is why they are penalized. On a play where the yardage needed is only a few inches, a false start can be pivotal.
Catch the action Sunday at 8:20 p.m. EST on NBC or Peacock to see if Campbell and the Lions can find a way to counter the Tush Push.