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Patriots Side With Eagles in Latest NFL Controversial Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Coby Leibowitz | Last updated May 22, 2025 3:45 PM ET

One of the most controversial plays over the last few years has been the tush push. The tush push is a quarterback sneak where players like the running back or tight end push the quarterback forward to get a first down or touchdown. This play has been popularized by the Eagles, and they are known for running that play with Jalen Hurts quite often.

Many teams think that the play is not a football play and should be abolished, while some teams think it is a smart and strategic play. The time came for the owners to vote on the Tush Push, and the result is not what most would have hoped, but it is what the New England Patriots wanted.

The NFL needed 24 owners to vote on abolishing the tush push for the play to get banned; unfortunately, for most teams, it only got 22 votes, and the tush push play will stay another year in the NFL. ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter then reported that some of the teams that sided with the Eagles, including the New England Patriots, did so.

Teams that sided with the Eagles included the Ravens, Patriots, Jets and Lions.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2025

It is still undisclosed why the Patriots voted in favor of the tush push, but there are definitely a couple of reasons that would make sense.

The first is that the Patriots have always played an old-school style of football, and the concept of pushing the ball straight through the teeth of the defense is something the Patriots will most likely do at some point over the season.

Another reason would be that their second-year 6'4 225-pound quarterback, who is extremely athletic as well, would be a perfect candidate to participate in the tush push.

Maye's size, strength, and speed will allow him to succeed in this play if he gets a little help from his teammates. This is a play to look out for in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Patriots this upcoming season.

The Patriots significantly added to their defensive line and front seven this offseason. Having faced the "tush push" before, they’re likely to devote time in practice to developing ways to counter it effectively.

They’ll have a chance to test that preparation later this season against the Ravens, who voted to keep the controversial play and have one of the most athletic quarterbacks of all time leading their offense.

With the tush push remaining legal for at least another year, New England appears excited and supportive of its continued use. It will be intriguing to see how the team defends against it and potentially incorporates it into their own offense.

Tom Brady was widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterback sneakers in NFL history, and rookie Drake Maye could be in line to follow that tradition, especially if the tush push remains part of the league’s playbook.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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