When it comes to NFL rule changes, few voices carry as much heft as Mike Tomlin’s. As a key member of the league’s competition committee, Tomlin’s insights into proposed rule changes are highly influential. This week, as the NFL’s team owners gather, Tomlin’s thoughts naturally gravitate towards the hotly debated topics on the agenda, such as the much-discussed Tush Push.
This play, favored by the Philadelphia Eagles, essentially involves pushing the quarterback forward from behind the line of scrimmage. While the language of the proposed ban on this maneuver isn’t fully clear, it aims to make such moves illegal. The Eagles have managed to execute the Tush Push almost flawlessly, while others in the league haven’t quite managed to replicate their success.
Tomlin’s focus, however, isn’t so much about how effective the play is but rather its potential to cause injuries, a concern that remains speculative at this point.
“There just isn’t enough data to draw conclusions from the injury statistics,” Tomlin shared on the Steelers’ official site. “I’m inclined to heed medical experts over numbers, especially since the play lacks a comprehensive execution history. In the grand scope of thousands of plays each season, around 170 Tush Pushes took place, for some perspective.”
At first glance, Tush Push resembles more of a rugby scrum than a football play, raising concerns about possible injuries. Despite this, Tomlin isn’t rushing to advocate for a ban.
“You’ve got to appreciate innovation,” he remarked. “Certain teams have truly been creative, and it feels unfair to penalize them for it.”
Historically, Tomlin’s comments on the Tush Push have varied. Previously, he expressed skepticism, a sentiment understandable given his defensive background. Before tackling the Eagles last season, he suggested the best counter to the play was to avoid situations where it could be used. That strategy, unfortunately, fell short in a disappointing game.
As for the likelihood of the ban being enacted, it’s anybody’s guess. While there’s growing backing for the proposal, teams like the Eagles likely won’t support it, indicating a potentially tight vote.
In other league matters, the Detroit Lions have introduced a tweak to playoff seeding. Their idea is to rank teams solely by record, rather than giving divisional winners a guaranteed top-four position, even if they don’t have the best record compared to a Wild Card team.
“I’m a traditionalist when it comes to divisions,” Tomlin admitted, declining to support the change. “I’m all for keeping divisional rivalries alive. They make the schedule more exciting. I believe winning a division should come with its rewards, like hosting a playoff game.”
Critics might argue that under the current system, a lower-seeded division winner could outrank a far superior team, in terms of win-loss record, as happened when the Minnesota Vikings found themselves in 2024. Adopting an NBA-style conference seeding would diminish the value of division championships and the rivalries they sustain. This proposal seems unlikely to gain enough traction to pass.
By week’s end, we’ll find out which of these potential rule changes will become a reality.
