As the NFL continues to evolve, so do the strategies and tactics employed by teams to gain an edge over their opponents. One such tactic that has generated significant debate in recent years is the “tush push.” A play that involves the quarterback being pushed forward by teammates to gain a few crucial yards, particularly on short-yardage situations, the tush push has been highly effective for certain teams, most notably the Philadelphia Eagles. However, with increasing scrutiny and calls for change, could the NFL decide to ban this play? And in a separate yet equally important story, will the Dallas Cowboys be able to find their quarterback of the future in the upcoming draft?

Could the NFL Ban the Tush Push?

The tush push has been one of the most effective and controversial plays in the NFL, especially for the Eagles. The play, where the quarterback is pushed by his teammates—usually the offensive line and a fullback—has proven nearly unstoppable in short-yardage and goal-line situations. The success of this play has made it an integral part of the Eagles’ offensive strategy, and it’s hard to argue with the results. Yet, despite its effectiveness, the play has faced growing calls for banning due to concerns over player safety, fairness, and its potential to create an unlevel playing field.

Safety Concerns:

One of the primary reasons the tush push could be banned is the risk of injury. The play often involves a great deal of physical contact, with multiple players pushing in unison while the quarterback is caught in the middle. There are worries that this kind of pile-up could result in serious injuries to players, particularly the quarterback, who is more vulnerable to being injured when piled on from behind. Injuries could range from lower-body strains to more severe neck or back issues from the force of the push. The NFL is always vigilant when it comes to player safety, and this play has raised alarms among safety advocates.

Unfair Advantage?

Another argument against the tush push is that it’s an unfair advantage. The play has been incredibly effective, and some feel it gives teams that are already strong in the trenches an outsized benefit. The Eagles, with their dominant offensive line, have been able to run this play with remarkable success, and other teams may struggle to replicate it if their offensive line isn’t as powerful or cohesive. Some argue that the play takes away from the spirit of football, where teams should rely on pure skill and strategy rather than a play that has a higher reliance on strength and physicality.

The NFL’s Response:

The NFL has previously experimented with the idea of banning certain plays to reduce injury risk, with the most notable being the outlawing of the “wedge” on kickoffs. The NFL Competition Committee could potentially review the tush push to determine whether it falls under the same category of plays that should be prohibited for safety reasons. While no formal ban has been announced yet, the increasing scrutiny suggests that the play may come under closer review in the coming seasons.

For now, it remains legal, but with pressure building from various corners of the NFL, it’s uncertain how long the tush push will continue to be a staple of the game.

Will the Cowboys Find Their QB in the Draft?

Shifting gears to the Dallas Cowboys, a team that has had its fair share of quarterback-related drama in recent years, the question of whether they’ll find their quarterback of the future in the upcoming draft is an intriguing one. Despite Dak Prescott’s leadership, there have been ongoing concerns about whether he can consistently deliver in the biggest moments. The Cowboys, a team with a championship-caliber defense and a potent offense, have the pieces in place to contend, but many believe they need to find a more dynamic quarterback to get over the hump.

Dak Prescott’s Inconsistencies:

Dak Prescott has proven to be a capable quarterback in the regular season, but there have been concerns about his ability to perform in the postseason. The Cowboys’ playoff failures, including losses to top-tier NFC teams, have led some to question whether Prescott is the quarterback who can lead Dallas to a Super Bowl victory. While Prescott has flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency—especially in critical games—has put his long-term future with the Cowboys in doubt.

The Cowboys’ Draft Position:

With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Cowboys will be looking to make a move that solidifies their future at quarterback. Dallas is not in a position to pick at the very top of the draft, which means they may have to trade up if they want to land a high-end quarterback prospect. There are several talented quarterbacks available in the 2025 class, and the Cowboys will need to evaluate whether it’s time to pull the trigger on a potential successor to Prescott or if they’ll continue to build around him for the foreseeable future.

Some potential names that have been linked to the Cowboys include quarterbacks with impressive college resumes. Whether it’s a pocket passer or a dual-threat QB, the Cowboys could be in the market for a player who can step in and immediately make an impact. It’s also possible they could take a more long-term approach and select a quarterback to develop behind Prescott for a year or two before taking over as the franchise signal-caller.

The Cowboys’ QB Dilemma:

The Cowboys have shown a willingness to make bold moves in recent years, and a change at quarterback could be just what the team needs to get over the playoff hump. However, the Cowboys must carefully weigh the long-term implications of selecting a rookie quarterback. Drafting a young quarterback could provide a fresh start, but it also comes with the uncertainty of whether the player will be able to perform at the NFL level. In a win-now situation like Dallas is in, making the right call at quarterback is critical.

Conclusion:

As the NFL approaches another offseason of changes, the fate of the tush push and the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback situation will dominate the headlines. Will the NFL decide to ban the tush push due to safety concerns or its impact on competitive fairness? Only time will tell, but teams like the Eagles will be hoping it remains part of the game for years to come.

On the other hand, the Cowboys will be looking to make a pivotal decision about their future at quarterback. With Dak Prescott’s playoff inconsistencies still in question, the Cowboys could look to the draft for their next QB to lead them to a Super Bowl. The 2025 draft is filled with potential, and the Cowboys may very well find their next great quarterback—if they’re willing to make the move.