Not many NFL teams could handle the unstoppable force of the Philadelphia Eagles' running game led by NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley.
The Eagles were second in the NFL in rushing yards last year behind the Baltimore Ravens, averaging 179.3 yards per game on the ground. Barkley put together a historical season, breaking the NFL record for most rushing yards in the regular season and postseason combined with 2,504 yards.
Much of Philadelphia's success on the ground can be significantly attributed to their efficient use of the Tush Push in short-yardage situations. However, the future of the play is in question as the league is considering banning it. Barkley was asked about that possibility.
Eagles' Saquon Barkley breaks his silence on potential Tush Push ban
Just hours before his appearance at the Met Gala earlier this week, writer Jayson Buford wrote an article on ESPN that shared the behind-the-scenes of Barkley getting ready for the event. ESPN shared a video on Friday as Barkley responded to the question surrounding the Tush Push ban and did not hold back about his feelings.
"If you don't like it, get better at stopping it. It's not like a play that we can only do. Everyone does it. Everybody tries it. We're just super successful at it. They were super successful before I was there. I know what it does to a team, how it breaks down a team, and now, being on the team, you line up, and everyone knows what you're doing. It's like 'stop me' and they can't. They're going to get in their feels about it. They're going to try to make changes, but I don't see that happening, and if it doesn't, just get better at stopping it."Saquon Barkley
The Eagles converted 39 of 48 Tush Push plays, resulting in either a first down or a touchdown, per the USA Today. It's a play the team has used at a high level the past few years. The addition of Barkley helped make it even more unstoppable, as players like Dallas Goedert stand behind Jalen Hurts to help push him past the line to gain.
The Green Bay Packers were the first to propose banning the play in the offseason. It has gained traction with some teams, like the Buffalo Bills, who also support removing it from the game.
A vote to ban the Tush Push will occur at the NFL owners meeting on May 20 and 21. The proposal needs a 75% majority vote from the owners, whereas the previous proposal only received a 50% vote.
Eagles fans will be gripping onto something, hoping the play will stay in their playbook.
