Foles backs tush push as NFL scrutiny mounts

Nick Foles, the Super Bowl LII MVP, says he is pro tush push as criticism mounts over the Philadelphia Eagles’ goal-line tactic. He argues that banning the play would be ill-advised and that it should be the officials, not the Eagles, who determine how it is called.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Foles credited the Eagles’ success to their coaching and players, including the offensive linemen coached by Jeff Stoutland and Jalen Hurts, who runs the play with precision. He noted that the formation relies on a sharp snap count to gain leverage, and he defended the execution even as observers raise questions about the timing and spacing. He said it is up to the officials to call the play correctly, not to ostracize the Eagles, and that this is a matter of officiating, not a change to the roster.

The NFL has signaled it will officiate the play more tightly in the coming season and is evaluating whether changes to the rules or the interpretation could alter how the push is called. Some discussions have focused on whether players can push from behind, and whether the play should be allowed at all. Officials have acknowledged the challenge of calling the play in real time, including during earlier games when miscalls appeared on slo-mo replays.

Foles also addressed risk perceptions. While critics point to injury risk in a mass collision at the line, the players involved have said the push is among the safer short-yardage plays and that they view it as manageable. They say they are comfortable with the contact and the technique involved.

Foles connected the tush push to a long line of successful sneaks the Eagles have run since his earlier time with the team, noting that quarterbacks have long benefited from the team’s strong line play and disciplined snap counts. In 2017 and 2018, before the tush push, the team already used effective quarterback sneaks, and the new approach has built on that foundation.

Even as he defends the play, Foles said he does not expect the NFL to ban it. He suggested the league might make minor adjustments, such as limiting pushes from behind, but that the core concept will endure due to the Eagles’ personnel and coaching. He predicted the play will evolve rather than disappear.

Fans and analysts have watched the conversation unfold as the Eagles have faced scrutiny after their last two games, during which a handful of plays appeared offside in the pre-snap moments. The league has not indicated it plans to pull the play, but officials are under pressure to enforce the rules with greater consistency.

Foles left the NFL after 11 seasons, winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2018 and earning the team a long record of playoff appearances. Across 71 games, he completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 14,227 yards with 82 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.