The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the league anxiously awaited a decision from the NFL's spring meetings as the owners all meant to discuss potentially banning the "Tush Push" play that was made popular by the Philadelphia Eagles. The play has been considered controversial for several years now, and that is mainly because of the players lined up in the backfield that push Jalen Hurts forward after his initial charge up the middle. It is essentially a quarterback sneak with a little help, and thanks to the Green Bay Packers, the owners had to meet and debate about potentially banning the play.
The play has been dominant, which is the main reason some teams want to see it banned. League officials and some ownership groups have cited health concerns as the reason for its potential ban, but there is no data to back up the idea that it is some dangerous play.
This could be part of the reason that the play will officially continue to be allowed, as not enough teams voted to ban it at the league meetings. Now, the 31 other teams in the league should find their own version of the Tush Push, or some other play that hits at a high percentage in short yardage situations.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo went on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday, and he shared his idea of the Tush Push for the Steelers.
"You gotta teach somebody." Fittipaldo said. "I mean, you got four months to do it. Teach Darnell Washington how to take a snap from center and put two big guys behind him and push 'em forward. Give it to Ben, let Ben Skowronek take a snap. I'm sure there are guys on that football team who have been quarterbacks or who have that in their arsenal. So I think the Steelers should do it."
This is a lot easier said than done. College quarterbacks barely take snaps from under center anymore, so position players certainly have no experience doing it aside from high school. Darnell Washington is an intriguing option due to his size and assumed power, especially with other players pushing him from behind. The same goes for Ben Skowronek, who isn't as big as Washington but isn't afraid of lowering his shoulder to get a couple of yards.
What makes what the Eagles do so special is that the opposing defense knows exactly what is coming when they line up to execute the Tush Push. Hurts is going to run up the middle, but it is so hard to stop. The same would be true if Washington or Skowronek lined up under center, and it would be interesting to see if Pittsburgh would still be able to pull off the play.
Pittsburgh has Isaac Seumalo at left guard, who was a part of the Tush Push with Philadelphia back during the 2022 season. The Steelers also have one of the best young centers in the league in Zach Frazier. Put Washington or Skowronek behind them, with Jaylen Warren and Pat Freiermuth behind them, and find a way to get a yard.
Steelers Could Also Put Will Howard Under Center To Execute The Tush Push
Another strong option for the Steelers on a potential version of the Tush Push would be putting Will Howard under center. The rookie quarterback is large and mobile, and he should be able to fall forward for a yard or two in certain situations. Having a quarterback take the snap also keeps the threat of a pass alive, which could keep the defense on its toes.
All three options mentioned seem like they could work, and it is time for the Steelers to give it a try. Especially after the organization failed so many times during the 2024 season when it came to short yardage situations.
