Analyzing the Brotherly Shove

One of the more famous plays of late in the NFL is Philly's short yardage play called the Tush Push. This play has a high conversion rate but is it safe for players and should it be legal? We will examine the play and the rules history to help make an informed opinion of the strategy.

The Philadelphia Eagles have used their talented personnel to create and perfect a seemingly unstoppable method of dealing with short yardage. The shove is a unique offensive play where one of the offensive linemen, typically the center or a guard, fires out low an a defensive opponent to take away their leverage, and a backfield teammate gives the quarterback a gentle push from behind as soon as the play begins. The subtle push in unison is intended to help the quarterback gain a slight advantage in timing and positioning, allowing him to execute the play more effectively.
The phrase "brotherly shove" is often used lightheartedly and reflects the camaraderie and teamwork among the Eagles' offensive players.

In an October 27, 2023 article found on Marca.com Eagles Center, the 'Tush Push' success rate.was at the time a total of 41 times out of 44 attempts since 2022. It has since gone on to be acknowledged as being successful 93.5% of the time it is run.

The "tush push" became legal in the NFL in 2005. 

For decades, the practice was an illegal football activity, and it technically still is at the high school level, under the illegally aiding the runner enforcement of 5 yards.

One of the more famous instances in college was the famous Bus Push in the USC at Notre Dame game.

How we forget the past. Almost 120 years ago, the rule makers for the American football game banned a similar activity.

The flying wedge, a formation in which players interlocked arms and ran to block opponents, was once a common tactic in American football. However, it was also a problematic play, leading to several severe injuries and even deaths. As a result, the flying wedge was banned in 1906.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of players demonstrating Harvard's Wedge play.

One of the main reasons for the ban was that the flying wedge was too powerful. The sheer force of the wedge was often too much for defenders to handle, and they would be easily bowled over. This led to several injuries, including broken bones and concussions. In some cases, players were even trampled to death.
In addition to the risk of injury, the flying wedge also made the game less competitive. The play was so effective that it was almost impossible to stop, giving the team a significant advantage. This made the game less fair and less exciting for fans.

For these reasons, the flying wedge was banned from American football in 1906. The ban has helped to make the game safer and more competitive and made the sport more enjoyable for fans.

It is a dangerous play, that the NFL competition committee should take a closer look at. We are not saying a QB sneak should be illegalized but aiding the runner from pushing , pulling, or plwing into an opponent's line should be deemed an unwanted and illegal play.

The banner image is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of American football players demonstrating the "flying wedge," a maneuver created by Harvard coach Lorin Deland in the 1890s. Chicago Day Book photographer.