NFL-‘Tush push’ play under renewed scrutiny from coaches, owners

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NEW YORK (Reuters) – Momentum is growing at the NFL Combine to disallow the Philadelphia Eagles’ signature “tush push”, amid reports that the Green Bay Packers have submitted a proposed rule change to ban the play.

The Eagles’ signature move – that netted them one of several touchdowns in their 40-22 Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs – has quarterback Jalen Hurts pushed through the opposing team by the players behind him.

Teams have struggled to figure out how to neutralize the move and the NFL Network this week reported that the Packers want it gone, prompting renewed debate over the play otherwise known as the “Brotherly Shove”.

“When a team gets something that they’re good at, you have got to learn how to stop it. I don’t think the first thing you can do is try to take it out of the ball game,” Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach told reporters at the combine in Indianapolis.

“Until we learn how to stop it, I mean, they’re going to continue it. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott struck a far more critical tone in his press conference at the combine, where NFL teams evaluate top collegiate talent.

“There’s always been an injury risk with that play,” he said. “The techniques that are used with that play have been potentially contrary to the health and safety of the players.”

NFL owners will be expected to vote on potential rule changes at the yearly league meeting next month, with proposals needing the approval from 24 of the 32 owners to get passed.

The NFL has not shied away from instituting major changes in the past, particularly when it comes to player safety, and this season instituted a Dynamic Kickoff rule that it cited among the reasons for a record low number of reported concussions.

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Christian Radnedge)