Getty Image / Adam Bow
Heading into Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, the Chiefs were expected to be the team with the clear edge at quarterback.
That edge ended up being a whole lot less clear than expected and it actually turned out that Eagles quarterback was a part of one of the biggest advantages his team had in the game.
The Chiefs just didn’t have an answer for the Eagles offense in short-yardage situations.
Despite the Eagles’ running backs combining for just 45 yards on 17 carries in the game, the team regularly converted on 3rd and 1, 4th and 1, and at the goal line.
They had Jalen Hurts QB sneaks to thank for that success.
Hurts converted repeatedly in those situation by just plunging up the middle as running backs shoved him from behind.
Now it looks like the NFL could want to change that.
NFL rules expert Dean Blandino revealed to “The 33rd Team” that the NFL is considering a rule change to eliminate the push from behind in these scenarios.
Dean Blandino says the NFL Competition Committee might look to eliminate the "Tush Push" play on QB sneaks that was so effective for Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles this season. https://t.co/nCP16kQEiA
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 16, 2023
I think the league is going to look at this, and I’d be shocked if they don’t make a change.
This play was made legal back in 2005 in the NFL, but the Philadelphia Eagles are the first team to really take advantage like they have this season.
The Eagles went for it on 4th down the 4th most in the league this past season and had the 4th best conversion percentage. They also had the 4th best 3rd down conversion percentage in the league this past year. Their ability to have Hurts convert up the middle likely played a pretty big role in that success.
Now it looks like the NFL could make them find a new way to get the yards in those situations as they try to work their way back to the Super Bowl next season.