Sean McDermott Raises Alarm Over Safety Risks of the ‘Tush Push’ Play: What You Need to Know

The Eagles and Bills have really mastered the “tush push” play in the NFL. This technique has gained attention, especially with the Packers suggesting a ban on it. Buffalo’s coach, Sean McDermott, has voiced his worries about the safety risks involved with this play.

McDermott stated, “I’ve always seen an injury risk with that play.” He expressed his concerns over the past couple of years, noting how it’s been used more frequently. For him, player safety is a top priority. “The way players use this technique can be risky for their health,” he added. He believes that while statistics can help, the visuals of the play raise alarm bells.

As a member of the NFL’s Competition Committee, McDermott has a unique platform to discuss these issues. His team’s use of the play lends extra weight to his concerns. In fact, the Eagles and Bills have executed 163 tush pushes in the last three seasons—more than any other teams combined. They have a success rate of scoring a touchdown or getting a first down 87% of the time, while the rest of the league sits at 71%.

McDermott also pointed out that his team approaches the play differently than others. “We focus on keeping safety at the forefront of everything we teach,” he explained. While other teams might rely on sheer force, the Bills aim for proper technique to minimize risk.

As it stands, the rule that allows players to push ball carriers will stay in place unless 24 or more teams decide to change it. So for now, the tush push remains a part of the game, with ongoing discussions about its safety implications.