Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy publishes a weekly column on Packers.com that answers fan questions. One of these questions centered on the “butt push” quarterback sneak that allowed Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to score an easy touchdown in the Super Bowl. Since that play, many have called the play unfair and want it banned. It appears that Murphy is among those that would like to see it go away.
Green Bay Packers President Mark Murphy Answers the Question Honestly
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From Murphy’s column:
Patrick from Murfreesboro, TN.
What do you think of the rugby-style push plays? Seems to me that it creates too much advantage for the offense, is boring to watch, and is a recipe for eventual injuries. Will the NFL rules committee address this issue?
“Have you been reading my emails, Patrick? I raised this issue with the league regarding potential rule changes. I agree completely with your assessment of the play. Also, more and more teams are using it. The Eagles probably use it more than any other team, and it looked to me like it was almost automatic.
Last year, teams picked up first downs 90% of the time with this play. In addition, Sean Payton said he would regularly use the play on third- and fourth-and-1. I hope the play is banned. One thought would be to prohibit pushing the runner (usually the QB on a QB sneak) between the tackles. There used to be a rule prohibiting aiding the runner, but it was too hard for the officials to officiate – so now you can push the runner but can’t pull the runner.”
It will be interesting to see what the NFL competition committee does, if anything, in regards to this play. On one hand, it does put the defense at a serious disadvantage. On the other hand, does it not reward the offense for putting itself in that position in the first place?
Murphy has a good point towards the end of his paragraph: how will the officials enforce it?
Interesting to note: Bart Starr had a friendly push from behind when he scored the game-winning touchdown in the Ice Bowl.
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1 Comment
They banned leaping as its hazardous. How is pushing your teammate into an opponent any less dangerous?
There are numerous ways it could go south fast and someone got injured while trying to be helpful and get that last push.
What if they ended up crushing or breaking a bone in the process?(from the force exerted by the friendly teammate vs the force of the opponent in which the player being pushed) the player being pushed wouldnt have a way of getting out if his teammate kept pushing. (hoping to get the first down/score) but end up injuring their teammate instead. Could eventually be a career ending injury.