NFL expected to do Cowboys a favor this offseason
The Dallas Cowboys stand to benefit significantly from a decision many expect the NFL to make in the next few months. According to some experts, including the league's former vice president of officiating Dean Blandino, the competition committee is expected to ban the Philadelphia Eagles' "tush push" play that they featured in so many quarterbacks […]
The Dallas Cowboys stand to benefit significantly from a decision many expect the NFL to make in the next few months.
According to some experts, including the league's former vice president of officiating Dean Blandino, the competition committee is expected to ban the Philadelphia Eagles' "tush push" play that they featured in so many quarterbacks sneaks in 2022.
"I think the league is going to look at this, and I’d be shocked if they don’t make a change,’’ Blandino told The 33rd Team in a recent interview. "It amounts to a rugby scrum. The NFL wants to showcase the athleticism and skill of our athletes. This is just not a skillful play."
Skillful or not, the Eagles immensely benefited from the concept. Nick Sirianni finished the season as the #1 head coach in total win probability added during the season. In large part, his decision-making process was boosted by his confidence in converting short-yardage situations.
The Cowboys are expected to battle Philly for the NFC East in 2023. Taking away one of the Eagles' top concepts would benefit anyone on their schedule but Dallas would likely be the biggest winner. After all, a one-game difference could be all that defines next season's division champion.
The Eagles figured out they had something unstoppable on their hands when they discovered that not only did they have Jason Kelce leading the way and Jalen Hurts powering through behind him, but they could also give them a push in short-yardage situations. Literally… an actual push with another player. Or sometimes, players.
The only thing defenses could do was sigh, shrug it off, and line up before the Eagles inevitably moved the chains again in a punishing fashion. And deep down they knew, it would happen again as soon as the next time there were one or two yards to go.
They won football games around this very concept time and time again. Don't get it twisted, though: The Eagles are very talented and built to last but taking the concept away from them could hinder their offense in those specific situations.
If it isn't banned, expect many other teams (including Dallas) to implement the idea. It's easier said than done, but overall it's a play with a high-percentage chance of converting.
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
