Why does it always seem like no one wants Philadelphia to succeed?
After the Eagles perfected a version of a legal quarterback sneak, the NFL may now ban the play prior to the 2023 season. In 2022, the team converted 37 of their 41 quarterback sneak attempts into first downs or touchdowns and could now lose a huge opportunity headed into next year.
COULD THE NFL BAN THE QUARTERBACK SNEAK?
The Eagles weren’t the only team to attempt multiple quarterback sneak this season, but they certainly attempted it the most. Leading with 37 conversions per 41 attempts, the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Cincinnati Bengals have also been successful 15+ (out of 20) times.
Though the play is legal, it’s causing many around the league to want it outlawed. And it makes you wonder, is it out of jealously or is the play really not fair?
Denver Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton stated, “We’re going to do this every time next season if they don’t take it out.”
Philadelphia’s version of the play includes two running backs providing assistance to quarterback Jalen Hurts, as he pushes himself forward over the line. In Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles used this on six of ten rushing first downs.
Dean Blandino, a rules analyst for Fox Sports and The 33rd Team, stated the league’s competition committee is expected to take a look at the “tush push” play.
He stated, “I think the league is going to look at this, and I’d be shocked if they don’t make a change.”
“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.”
The reality is, the play is skillful. If it wasn’t why haven’t the Eagles’ opposing defenses been able to stop it? Philadelphia has the No. 1 offensive line in the league. Those players bear down, block the defense, and allow their offense to make a play.
The league showcases athleticism, but that athleticism also requires power at certain positions. If it didn’t, why is height and weight always discussed? Whether teams around the league like it or not, the Eagles offensive line is a brick house.
Throughout the 2022 season, there was an NFL record of 308 quarterback sneaks across the league, with teams averaging a first-down conversion on 83% of them. It will be interesting to see how game play is hindered if the play is banned.
