The “tush push” is the center of attention at this week’s NFL annual meetings.
Team owners, coaches, and general managers have gathered at a luxury resort to discuss potential rule changes, including a proposal from the Green Bay Packers to ban the play that’s become a short-yardage staple for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The Packers cited player safety and the pace of play as key reasons for the proposed ban. However, NFL executive Troy Vincent stated last month that there have been no reported injuries related to the play.
For any rule change to pass, it requires approval from 24 of the league’s 32 team owners.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles made it clear last month that he opposes the ban.
“It’s a rugby element, but at the same time, when a team gets something they’re good at, you’ve got to learn how to stop it,” Bowles said. “I don’t think the first thing you should do is try to take it out of the game because that removes the creativity of what everyone else is trying to do. You’ve got to learn how to stop it. Until we figure that out, it’s going to keep working. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
Several rule changes are under discussion at this week’s NFL annual meetings, including making the dynamic kickoff rule permanent and revamping the playoff format.
The NFL competition committee has recommended keeping the kickoff rule that was redesigned last year, with a tweak to move touchbacks to the 35-yard line in hopes of encouraging more returns.
The Detroit Lions have proposed a new playoff seeding system that would base placements on team records instead of automatically giving division winners the top four spots.
Additionally, the committee has suggested expanding instant replay to allow replay assistants to consult with on-field officials to overturn objective calls. This would include situations like facemask penalties, forcible contact to the head or neck area, horse-collar tackles, and tripping if there’s clear and obvious evidence that a foul didn’t occur. Replay would also be able to overturn roughing the kicker or running into the kicker penalties if video shows the defender made contact with the ball.
