Pittsburgh Steelers (Getty Images) The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly rethinking the “tush push” after seeing the success of the Philadelphia Eagles, who have made the play a signature part of their short-yardage strategy. While the Eagles execute the move with Jalen Hurts leading the charge, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed the team is exploring running it in a different way, possibly without relying on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is now 41 years old.
Why the Steelers are interested despite initial opposition
During the offseason, the Steelers were among the 22 NFL teams that supported banning the tush push altogether. Yet, as the season begins, Tomlin admitted that his coaching staff has seriously considered implementing the tactic in certain game situations. The acknowledgment suggests a shift in strategy, driven by the high stakes of short-yardage situations where gaining a crucial first down or touchdown matters most.Tomlin hinted at a creative twist: “We may look at it with someone other than the quarterback, mainly because of Aaron’s age and to keep him out of harm’s way.” This approach underscores the practical concern of protecting Rodgers while still trying to leverage a play that has gained significant attention for its effectiveness.
The challenges the Steelers must overcome
Unlike the Eagles, who combine a mobile quarterback with a powerful offensive line, the Steelers do not have that same setup. Their offensive front doesn’t boast the same dominance as Philadelphia’s, which could make executing the tush push more difficult. Furthermore, the play remains divisive in the NFL, with many viewing it as controversial or even unsportsmanlike.Also Read: Is Tom Brady facing any penalties for his role in the Raiders’ coaching booth while broadcasting?Still, the fact that Pittsburgh is even entertaining the idea signals how desperate teams are becoming for creative solutions in short-yardage situations. As the NFL season progresses, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more teams challenge convention and attempt the play themselves.