Steelers' Mike Tomlin Issues Confession That Pittsburgh Is Considering Stealing The Eagles' Tush Push

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the more bland offenses in the NFL just based on play design. Other offenses around the league have become more innovative. Meanwhile at times, it feels like Pittsburgh is decades behind. This comes down to the coaching staff and getting creative, which is something other franchises are not afraid to do. For example, the Philadelphia Eagles have been running the Tush Push for quite some time now, and the play is hitting at a very high rate while also sparking a ton of controversy.

Philadelphia has used the Tush Push to its advantage over the last several seasons. Jalen Hurts is consistently able to get a yard or two on the play to either get into the end zone or get a first down in a critical situation. The play is so controversial that it has even been voted on during NFL meetings to decide whether or not to outlaw the play. It works tremendously, but it does teeter on the edge of breaking NFL rules, which is what some organizations are upset with. 

Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media on Tuesday, and he was asked about whether or not Pittsburgh has thought about running their own version of the play.

"Yes," Tomlin said. "I'm not going to get into strategy. You guys come to practice, you see what we do. You guys are trying to get me on record. Next."

Tomlin was clear in answering the question and stating that the Tush Push is something the Steelers have practiced and thought about running, but he would not get into the specifics of his team's version of the play. It certainly would not likely be quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center running the play, but Pittsburgh does have a good amount of options.

If Pittsburgh were to run the Tush Push it is hard not to imagine tight end Darnell Washington lining up under center. He is listed at 6'7" and over 260 pounds, and he would be a difficult force to stop going through the A-gap -- especially with the offensive line getting a push and the running backs helping out from behind. Other teams have done this with tight ends, including the Seattle Seahawks who Pittsburgh just played in Week 2. Tight end AJ Barner took a quarterback sneak for two yards and a first down.

The Steelers have some other candidates that could operate this play. Jonnu Smith is another offensive weapon that comes to mind, and it is fun to imagine a big frame like DK Metcalf doing it as well, although Pittsburgh probably would not want to risk his health running a sneak. Will Howard also has the frame for a Tush Push, but he would need to return to full health first and be made the primary backup to Rodgers.

Steelers Should Implement The Tush Push Immediately

Pittsburgh has struggled in short yardage situations over the last two seasons, and a form of the Tush Push would help that issue greatly. The only problem is that the NFL might have to start cracking down on Philadelphia and the way they operate their version of the play. The Eagles line up for their version of the Tush Push in a way that is truly illegal according to the rules of the NFL. Several of their offensive linemen are offsides, and their guards even move before the ball is snapped.

The play already sparks a ton of controversy, and that is only going to continue. The Steelers need to institute their version of the play during the 2025 season, as it the play will likely be banned during the 2026 offseason.

What do you think about the Steelers testing out the Tush Push? Let us know in the comments below!

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