Extra Points is a collection of my random thoughts regarding the happenings of the NFL. Today I tackle two hot topics of the week: the controversy of the Tush Push and a Myles Garrett potential landing spot.
Should the Tush Push be Banned?
Green Bay Packers President Mark Murphy recently called for the “Tush Push” to be banned claiming “There is no skill involved and it is almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less.“ – well, let me stop you right there Mr. President. The Tush Push, or Brotherly Shove does require some skill, or else everyone would be doing it.
Ask Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills how automatic it is. Controversial spot or not, a well-executed tush push would have eliminated all doubt and we may be looking at a different Super Bowl matchup on Sunday. Here’s a good breakdown of why it isn’t automatic..
This would be a hard play to ban, given that it’s yet to be consistently replicated and players aren’t being hurt frequently by it. To me, it’s a football play and an utterly genius one by the Philadelphia Eagles.
What the league can do is make it more difficult to execute. Mark Murphy suggested returning an old rule that prohibited players from aiding the ball carrier in gaining forward progress.
“I would like to see the league prohibit pushing or aiding the runner [QB] on this play. There used to be a rule prohibiting this, but it is no longer enforced, because I believe it was thought to be too hard for the officials to see.“
Combine the return of this rule with closer looks for illegal formation and false starts by the officials and it may sway teams away from attempting it. Also, with the resurgence of the run game in the NFL, we will see more teams beefing up the middle of their defense with big bodies. Inherently, I think we will see the Tush Push become more difficult to execute, but not banned, You can thank the Bills for their inability to gain a yard.
Myles Garrett to Washington
Myles Garrett has had enough and has officially requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns to pursue a Super Bowl. The elite, future Hall of Fame defensive lineman will have many suitors, but none make more sense to me than the Washington Commanders.
Washington was closer to a Super Bowl than anyone expected by reaching the NFC Championship. Rookie phenom Jayden Daniels‘ contract allows the Commanders to allocate resources elsewhere, for the time being. It would certainly require a lot of resources, but with the 3rd most available cap room in the NFL, they can afford it.
The question lies with the compensation for the Browns. General Manager Andrew Berry claimed at the Senior Bowl that Myles Garrett was unavailable, even for two first-round picks. His tone may have changed now that the trade request is public…
Will Washington give up the trade capital required to obtain Garrett? That remains to be seen, but he would certainly bolster Dan Quinn‘s defense to near championship level. Not so long ago he had a generational talent in Micah Parsons – I imagine he would like to have a toy like that to play with again.
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Along with my usual coverage for Blitz Sports Media, I will be working heavily on the 2025 NFL Draft. I will offer analysis, player profiles, and of course, mock drafts. Give me a follow on X @JLSports24, where I post all of my articles and banter regarding all things NFL.