“A hard yes”: Detroit Lions’ Coach Dan Campbell supports keeping the Tush Push legal

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave a very straightforward opinion on the Philadelphia Eagles’ “Tush Push” play. He’s totally fine with it staying in the game and actually sees it as a fun challenge for defenses. Instead of banning it, Campbell believes teams should step up and find ways to stop it.

The “Tush Push” is where players push the quarterback from behind to help gain short yardage, and the Philadelphia Eagles have been super successful with it. While some teams, like the Green Bay Packers, want it banned due to injury concerns, the NFL has delayed making a decision.
At last week’s NFL league meetings, Dan Campbell shared his thoughts on the Tush Push and made it clear why he firmly thinks the play deserves to remain a part of the game. “I am of the school that they found something and it’s up to everybody else to stop it. So I’m a hard yes,” Campbell told reports.

The “Tush Push” has become one of the most polarizing plays in the NFL. First popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, the controversial quarterback sneak has drawn both praise and criticism for its effectiveness in short-yardage situations. While some argue it’s an unfair advantage, others see it as just another clever offensive strategy. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, however, falls squarely in the camp of support.

In a recent press conference, Campbell didn’t hesitate when asked about his stance on the play: “A hard yes. I’m all for it,” he said emphatically.

The Tush Push involves a quarterback—often the team’s starter—taking a direct snap while being pushed from behind by teammates, typically the offensive line and running backs. The play has been particularly effective on third- and fourth-and-short situations, especially for teams with powerful offensive lines like the Eagles.

A Debate on Fairness

The debate over the Tush Push has gained traction in recent seasons, with many questioning whether it’s too powerful a tool for teams to rely on, particularly in goal-line situations. Critics argue that the play goes against the spirit of football, relying more on brute force and positioning rather than skill or strategy. They’ve called for the NFL to outlaw it, or at the very least, to implement stricter rules governing its use.

Despite this growing opposition, Campbell remains a staunch advocate for keeping the play in the game. For him, it’s a simple matter of football fundamentals.

“You’ve got to be able to execute,” Campbell said. “At the end of the day, it’s about who wants it more. And if your offensive line is better and your quarterback can make that one-yard gain, I don’t see why we should take that away.”

The Lions’ Own Use of the Play

Campbell’s endorsement comes at an interesting time for the Lions. While the Tush Push hasn’t been a primary part of Detroit’s offensive playbook, the team has used variations of the quarterback sneak and short-yardage runs with success. With Campbell’s passion for tough, physical football, it’s easy to see why he’s supportive of a play that puts an emphasis on strength and determination.

Quarterback Jared Goff, a veteran of the league, has demonstrated his ability to execute short-yardage plays effectively, but Campbell’s comments suggest that the Lions could be more inclined to adopt the strategy in the future if they see an advantage.

“We’ve got to find what works for us, but I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t use it if it helps us win,” Goff said, echoing Campbell’s sentiments.

The Play’s Effectiveness

The Tush Push has been nothing short of effective in recent seasons. According to statistics, teams that use the play regularly have seen their conversion rates on short-yardage plays skyrocket. The Eagles, who have perfected the technique, converted an astounding 94% of their third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 situations in 2022, making it one of the most reliable tactics in football.

Much of that success comes down to the offensive line’s ability to create a strong push at the line of scrimmage, and the quarterback’s ability to follow through. Teams like the Eagles, with a powerful front line and a skilled quarterback like Jalen Hurts, have made the Tush Push almost automatic in certain situations.

“It’s about knowing what you’re doing and executing,” Campbell explained. “If you’ve got the right people in place, you’re going to win that battle, and that’s what this game is about—winning battles.”

The NFL’s Response

The NFL has not yet made any moves to outlaw the play, but there have been discussions among league officials regarding its future. Some team owners and coaches have voiced their concerns, suggesting that the play could lead to more injuries due to the mass pileups at the line of scrimmage. The NFL’s Competition Committee has been tasked with exploring potential rule changes, with some speculating that they may introduce stricter regulations on the play or even ban it entirely.

However, Campbell’s vocal support for the Tush Push may help strengthen the case for its legitimacy. Coaches like him, who favor physicality and execution, see the play as just another tool in the arsenal for teams to use, no different from a well-timed blitz or a long-range pass.

A Matter of Philosophy

For Campbell, the Tush Push fits perfectly into his overall philosophy as a coach. The Lions have been known for their physical brand of football, focusing on winning in the trenches and establishing a dominant running game. The Tush Push, with its emphasis on power and persistence, aligns with that mindset.

“I love the idea of having a play that’s all about heart and muscle,” Campbell said. “It’s about determination, and that’s what we want to bring to every game.”

He sees no reason why a well-executed play like the Tush Push should be banned simply because it’s effective. After all, football is a game of inches, and if a team can gain those inches through teamwork and execution, then they’ve earned it.

Looking Ahead

As the NFL continues to debate the future of the Tush Push, it remains clear that many coaches and teams are on board with its continued use. Dan Campbell’s support of the play only adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for the status quo to remain.

“I’m a fan of plays that put the ball in your hands and give you a chance to win,” Campbell concluded. “If the Tush Push is what it takes to get a yard, I’m all for it. Let’s keep it in the game.”

With the Detroit Lions set to continue their rise in the NFC, Campbell’s endorsement of the Tush Push could be a preview of things to come. Don’t be surprised if the Lions find a way to incorporate the play into their own playbook as they chase a championship.