The Tush Push is one of the most controversial plays in the NFL, as teams have been trying to get rid of the play that the Philadelphia Eagles have made famous. The Eagles finished the 2024 season 14th with a 77.4 Offense+ grade, and the play certainly helped make the offense effective.
With an elite running back like Saquon Barkley, the Eagles were able to win the Super Bowl and will also be able to continue running the Tush Push play. Barkley fired some shots at NFL teams trying to get the play banned, but ultimately failed in their mission.
Saquon Barkley Takes Shots at Teams Attempting To Ban Tush Push
Banning the Tush Push play was not a test of sportsmanship, according to the All-Pro running back. During his appearance on the “Exciting Mics” podcast with Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship, Barkley didn’t hold back, calling out teams trying to eliminate the play. He said it’s “lame” and “soft” to push for a ban just because it’s hard to stop.
“The banning thing of it, I think is soft to be honest. The teams that want to ban it, like everybody can do it. It’s not like a play that we only can do, everyone can do. We happen to have one of the best and biggest O-lines and Jalen Hurts can squat 600 pounds, that’s not our fault. … Them trying to eliminate it, it’s kinda lame.”
Barkley got his wish. NFL owners voted at the spring meetings and needed 24 votes to ban the play. However, only 22 teams voted to ban it, meaning the Tush Push will continue to be allowed for the 2025 season.
F*ck the Tush Push, here is Saquon Barkley dominating in the entire NFL.
— Saquon Center (@SaquonsCenter)
Barkley had massive success, and part of that was because of the Tush Push. He finished with 345 rushing attempts for 2,005 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and 13 rushing touchdowns, 33 receptions on 43 targets for 278 yards (8.4 yards per catch), and an additional pair of receiving touchdowns. While he was not getting the ball on the Tush Push play, it would extend drives and allow him to get more touches.
The Eagles do not have to worry about attempting to defend their Super Bowl victory without the Tush Push, as coach Nick Sirianni can call it to his heart’s content. It will be interesting to see if it is as effective as it was in 2024, as the Eagles were able to convert on 72.7% (16-22) of Tush Push plays when using it on fourth-and-1 plays last season, the third consecutive season of seeing its success rate drop.