Commander DC offers weak reason for wanting Eagles' infamous 'Tush Push' 'eliminated'

The Philadelphia Eagles' unstoppable short-yardage QB sneak play, or the "Tush Push," has drawn the ire of many throughout the NFL, and you can add Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio to the support group. 

Speaking with reporters Thursday ahead of the Commanders' Week 4 matchup with the Eagles, Del Rio repeated some of the weaker arguments against the unstoppable play. 

"I'd like to see it eliminated. Not just because they run it better than anybody, which they do, I don't think it's a football play," Del Rio said, via JP Finlay of NBC 4. "It’s a nice rugby play. It’s not what we’re looking for in football. But until it’s outlawed, we’ll prepare for it and do our best to stop it.”

For inquiring minds, Jimmy Kempski of The Philly Voice pointed out that the Eagles converted a successful "Tush Push" against Del Rio and the Commanders in 2022. So, this could be a case of sour grapes from the Commanders DC. 

The Eagles' extreme version of a quarterback sneak relies heavily on one of the best offensive lines in football getting low on the opposing defensive lines and a friendly push on the back of quarterback Jalen Hurts from teammates in the backfield. While the Eagles are known for deploying the play on the goal line, they've run it all over the field in short-yardage situations to the same success. 

There's seemingly debate over banning the play weekly, and the NFL competition committee even discussed outlawing or altering it in February. Ultimately, it remained legal, but the uproar from many around the league could change things sooner rather than later. 

While much of the outcry over the legality or fairness of the play comes from coaches like Del Rio, players seem OK with it. 

Recently, five-time All-Pro and former Houston Texans standout J.J. Watt defended the play, surmising that even without the extra push, the Eagles would be "just as successful" due to their dominant offensive line. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes echoed Watt, praising how the unit has "mastered" the play. 

"It's an advantage for them but you see other teams try to do it and they can't do it as well as they do," Mahomes said, via the Chiefs. "It speaks to their offensive line, it speaks to their quarterback."