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Philadelphia Eagles Blast The NFL For Proposed Rule Change

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The Philadelphia Eagles snap the ball.

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The Philadelphia Eagles are blasting the NFL for a proposed rule change that could affect their offensive success in the coming years. It could ban a tactic often employed by Jalen Hurts and his backfield.

That rule change revolves around the “tush push,” which sees running backs and full backs giving their quarterback a little extra oomph on sneak attempts.

That move was implemented often in Philly, as the Eagles run the quarterback more than most everyone else in the NFL. Many of those designed runs involved Jalen Hurts under center during short-yardage situations.

We saw it a number of times throughout the season, including in their Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs. And more times than not, it worked.

Against the Chiefs, alone, Hurts gained 10 first downs on the ground. Six of those came on QB sneaks, and Philadelphia Eagles players pushed their signal caller from behind on each.

Now, the NFL is reportedly considering outlawing the design. Here’s what rules expert Dan Blandino had to say about the suggested adjustment.

This in an article from the 33rd Team.

Pushing a ball carrier to help move him forward has been legal in the NFL since 2005 and in the college game since 2013. But amazingly, the Eagles really have been the first team to weaponize it. After getting a season-long look at it, the league doesn’t like what it sees.

“I think the league is going to look at this, and I’d be shocked if they don’t make a change,’’ said Dean Blandino, a rules analyst for Fox Sports and The 33rd Team, who was the NFL’s vice president of officiating from 2013 to 2017.

Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman isn’t too fond of the potential change, and he spoke out on it this week.

“All I know is everything we’re doing is legal and it works. And just because people do something that’s really good doesn’t mean it should be outlawed.”

Head coach Nick Sirianni echoed those sentiments, saying, “We’ll play with whatever rules they have,” while also noting how successful the play was for the team this past year.

There were other coaches around the league who agreed, though many on the defensive side of the ball likely want the rule changed. The NFL will meet over the offseason to discuss the possible ban.