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Now that the controversial play lives to see another year, will the New England Patriots join the “Tush Push” craze in 2025?
Despite a concerted effort, the league fell short of outlawing the polarizing quarterback sneak this offseason. The Patriots were reportedly among the 10 teams that voted against a proposal to ban the Tush Push, bringing the NFL two votes shy of the 24 needed to eradicate the play.
New England hasn’t deployed the rugby-like scrum too often, but could that change under a new regime?
Josh McDaniels returns for his third stint as New England’s offensive coordinator, this time working under head coach Mike Vrabel. He addressed the possibility of calling the Tush Push this season, per WEEI’s Tom Carroll.
“I’ve never done it,” McDaniels said. “Doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t do it. I think it depends on if you feel you need that to gain additional inertia and move the ball forward … I don’t dislike the play.”
Some fans may see the play as a cheat code for the Philadelphia Eagles, but McDaniels noted the logistical challenges of perfecting it.
“It’s not an easy play to practice in full pads and get good at,” he said. “Because obviously we’re not going to create a bunch of scrums on the practice field with our own defense.”
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Drake Maye may have the strength to handle the Tush Push, but exposing the 22-year-old franchise quarterback to those punishing piles certainly comes with risks. Garrett Bradbury and New England’s offensive line also must prove up to the task before McDaniels can turn to it as an effective play-calling weapon this season.
