The NFL is grappling with tactics employed by teams attempting to counter the controversial “tush push,” a play popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles. During a recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Fox broadcast team highlighted a missed false start on a crucial play, reigniting discussions about the legality and enforcement of the play.
As teams struggle to defend against the tush push, some defenses are reportedly using an illegal tactic known as “disconcerting signals” to confuse the offensive line. This tactic, which can lead to a 15-yard penalty, has not been enforced since 2017, according to league sources. The play involves defensive players mimicking or shouting commands that may disrupt the cadence of the quarterback. In the Eagles’ third-and-1 situation, quarterback Jalen Hurts clearly called for the snap, but a Chiefs player shouted over him, potentially causing confusion.
The NFL Rulebook specifically prohibits actions designed to disconcert the offense, stating that officials must stop play if such behavior is detected. Yet, a source familiar with the league’s officiating department noted that this rule is not a current focus for officials, largely due to the challenges of hearing commands amid crowd noise.
In this instance, had the officials recognized the confusion caused by the defensive player’s shout, they could have penalized the Chiefs, resulting in an Eagles first down. Russell Yurk, an ESPN rules analyst, emphasized that such a penalty is difficult to enforce as it requires officials to discern intent, which is complicated from their positions on the field.
The apparent false start of the Eagles was addressed by Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who expressed frustration over the officiating. He stated, “If guys are moving early, then you have to call that.” Since the Eagles began using the tush push regularly in 2022, they have been flagged for three false starts and three offensive offsides on such plays, according to TruMedia.
Following the game, Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata criticized the Chiefs for their alleged attempts to disrupt the Eagles’ snap count. He pointed out that mimicking the cadence should also warrant a penalty. Mailata, along with right guard Tyler Steen, noted that this tactic has become widespread among NFL teams.
The Rams, for example, successfully mimicked Hurts’ cadence in a previous playoff game, leading to a false start by Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson. During that game, a Rams defender shouted commands that closely resembled Hurts’ voice, causing confusion at a critical moment.
Eagles players prepare for this tactic during practice, with scout team members imitating Hurts’ cadence to help the offense recognize the difference. This preparation is crucial, especially as teams are constantly looking for ways to counter the effectiveness of the tush push.
The NFL has been advised to focus on officiating the line of scrimmage and to be vigilant regarding neutral zone infractions and false starts. However, the league’s leadership appears fatigued by the ongoing discourse surrounding the tush push. Despite efforts to ban the play, a proposal fell short at the NFL owner’s meeting in May, indicating a lack of consensus on how to address the issue.
Former NFL down judge Jerry Bergman expressed that the tush push creates challenges for officials, making it difficult to determine legal formations. He noted that the current positioning of officials hampers their ability to hear and enforce the rules effectively.
As the league continues to navigate these complexities, it remains uncertain whether another proposal to ban the tush push will emerge in the upcoming offseason. The ongoing debate reflects broader questions about the balance between offensive strategy and the integrity of the game, particularly as teams like the Eagles continue to find success with this controversial play.
