Broncos HC Sean Payton Defends Controversial Decision Before Facing Eagles

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is highly regarded for his offensive play-calling prowess, so it stands to reason that he would be in favor of innovation. However, Payton is also a defender of a polarizing old-school play, too.

That play is the “Tush Push” – or, “Brotherly Shove” – as popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles en route to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances and a title in 2024.

The rugby-style scrum has faced intense backlash amid tremendous, but isolated, success.

Broncos’ Sean Payton Defends ‘Tush Push,’ Credits Eagles

The Eagles may have popularized the “Tush Push,” but its origins can be traced back to 2018. Then, former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr suggested it during a sideline conversation with his teammates. At any rate, the Eagles could show the Broncos plenty of it.

Payton, though, remained unfazed by the idea and also said that he voted in favor of keeping the play legal during the vote this past offseason for a “pretty simple” reason.

“I was one that stood up in favor of,” Payton told reporters on September 30.

“If the powers to be don’t want it for aesthetic reasons or competitive reasons, I – it’s hard to officiate, etc. But I’ve been involved in those meetings for a long time. And when all of a sudden health and safety was pulled into that, which might be the safest play in football, my bull**** nose kind of went up. And so look, it’s a quarterback sneak, and I think credit Philadelphia. They scored a touchdown last week. Take a peek at this past week’s touchdown off the ‘tush push.’ Look, and it was a sweep to the left.”

The Eagles are not the only team that does or wants to run the play. They are by far the most successful at it, though. Moreover, there has been even more consternation about their offensive line’s alignment during the play.

The Broncos boast a stout offensive line, but the Eagles are a team built to test it and their linebackers at the second level, particularly with eye discipline.

Still, Payton is a proponent of the play heading into the Broncos’ tilt against the Eagles.

Sean Payton Gets Honest About ‘Tush Push’

Payton broke the play down into two parts – the actions of the quarterback and of those around him. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts will be who the Broncos must key on in that regard, with running back Saquon Barkley making that task far more difficult.

Payton noted that the essence of the play dates back to the late ‘60s.

“I’m one that looks at it, as long as the line of scrimmage is clean, that it’s a well-run quarterback sneak,” Payton said.

“When you really evaluate it, it’s more the technique of the sneak than the push. And so, you go all the way back to Green Bay against Dallas in the Ice Bowl, and freaking Bart Starr crosses the goal line with someone pushing a little bit behind them. So I was one that was in favor of leaving it alone, on Philly’s side.”

The initial action of the line is critical. The Broncos’ linebackers must be able to react if the Eagles pivot off the traditional “tush push” like they did in Week 4. Payton was in support of the Eagles’ position this past offseason. The Broncos head coach’s tune could change after facing the Eagles.

TREVON DIGGS SPEAKS OUT: 'I'M A MAN-TO-MAN CORNERBACK, NOT A ZONE!'

Dallas Cowboys' star cornerback Trevon Diggs has come forward with a bold statement about his preferred defensive style, shaking up conversations across the NFL. After four games into the 2025 season, Diggs has made it crystal clear that he feels more at home in man-to-man coverage, rather than the zone defense that has dominated the Cowboys’ defensive strategy.

"I'M A MAN-TO-MAN CORNERBACK, NOT A ZONE CORNERBACK," Diggs declared emphatically. "Let me do what I do best, and you'll see the difference immediately. I NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR THIS TEAM, AND I’LL CONTINUE TO DEMAND THE BEST FOR MYSELF AND THE TEAM."

This comment has drawn significant attention, especially given the success Diggs has had in the past when covering individual receivers. Known for his aggressive and physical playing style, Diggs thrives when he's matched up one-on-one against the opposing team’s top wide receiver. His ball-hawking ability and ability to shut down passing lanes make him a force to be reckoned with in man-to-man coverage.

However, the Cowboys' defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has largely relied on zone coverage this season. While zone coverage is effective in certain situations, it limits the individual abilities of cornerbacks like Diggs, who excels in tight, one-on-one matchups. His frustration with this system is clear, and he believes that switching to more man-to-man coverage would allow the entire defense to perform at a higher level.

For Diggs, this request isn’t just about personal preference. It’s about the success of the team. Despite having talent across the board, the Cowboys' defense has struggled this season, and the lack of interceptions has been a point of concern. With Diggs’ ability to create turnovers in man-to-man coverage, the shift in strategy could be a game-changer for the Cowboys.

“I’VE BEEN THROUGH A LOT TO GET TO WHERE I AM,” Diggs continued. “Now it’s time to show everyone that I’m not just a zone player. Put me on the best guy on the field, and I’ll lock him down.”

As the Cowboys look ahead to their Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets, the pressure is mounting for them to evolve defensively. The question now is whether the coaching staff will listen to Diggs and make the necessary adjustments to give him the opportunity to shine in a system that best suits his skill set.

Whether or not the Cowboys shift to more man-to-man coverage, one thing is clear: Trevon Diggs is a cornerback who will continue to demand the best for himself and his team. His confidence, leadership, and drive to succeed have made him one of the most exciting defensive players in the NFL, and his bold statement only further solidifies his place as a true game-changer.

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