The Pittsburgh Steelers were atrocious at picking up short yardage during the 2024 season. It seemed like every other week, the offense was getting stuffed on third and one and fourth and one, but the group has been better in that regard during the 2025 season. A big reason for that is that the Steelers have come up with their own version of the "Tush Push," which is the controversial play the Philadelphia Eagles have been running for the better part of the last four seasons. It has always been effective, and the Steelers are finally using it to their advantage.
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Steelers' Connor Heyward runs Pittsburgh's version of the "Tush Push" during a home game against the Indianapolis Colts in 2025 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Pittsburgh's version of the "Tush Push" does not involve quarterback Aaron Rodgers lining up under center. Having the 41-year old participate in that play would not be very wise, so the team chose to put tight end Connor Heyward in that spot. Behind him he has Darnell Washington and Jaylen Warren, and Washington is really doing most of the work propelling Heyward forward. The play has been pretty successful for Pittsburgh, and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith was asked about it during his media availability on Thursday. He shared Pittsburgh has some counters that could be run off of the play in the near future.
"You always have counterpunches off of it, and if the situation comes up, maybe this Sunday, maybe the next Sunday, we'll see what happens," Smith said. "It's been a productive play for us. It's been a productive play. I know you look around the league, I mean, you see it run a lot. It's interesting how they're officiating that play. I don't know how much I want to keep going because I don't want to get myself in trouble."
Smith hinted at some counterpunches that Pittsburgh could run off of their typical fourth down alignment for their version of the quarterback sneak. This could include a sweep to Warren who is lined up behind Heyward, or it could involve something more complicated like pitching the ball back to Rodgers and he can throw it to one of the players lined up on the end of the line of scrimmage that release downfield.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) celebrates a successful "Tush Push" first down from Connor Heyward during the 2025 regular season in Ireland.
Rodgers is typically in no danger on this play as he lines up deep in the backfield in line with Heyward. He doesn't even move usually, and just automatically celebrates the first down as soon as the ball is snapped. It is nice to see an effective short yardage play that works on a consistent basis, but opposing teams now know what to expect. The "newness" of the play has worn off, which means it might be time to work in some different variations.
Mark Andrews running a fake tush push for a 35-yard TD on 4th down is the definition of electric 🔥 @Wingstop pic.twitter.com/luH4OCn3kr
— NFL (@NFL) November 20, 2025
The Eagles have run different versions of the play before, and the Baltimore Ravens did it in Week 11 as well -- it worked out perfectly. Pittsburgh can try something like this, although it is risky, especially if the play is being run on fourth down.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith looks on while coaching up his offense during a home game in Pittsburgh, PA at Acrisure Stadium during the 2024 NFL season.
Steelers' Arthur Smith Must Get Creative To Fool Opposing Teams
It will be interesting to see what the Steelers run out of this formation in the future, and there is a chance fans never get to see any of the other versions of the play. This could all be some good gamesmanship from Smith as he gets opposing teams thinking about potential counters, when in reality, Pittsburgh is just going to snap the ball to Heyward every time.
What do you think about potential counters coming for Pittsburgh's offense? Let us know in the comments below!
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