Lions aren’t afraid of the tush push ahead of Eagles showdown
The Detroit Lions will have a very frustrating task on their hands Sunday night.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ controversial spin on the quarterback sneak, dubbed the “tush push”, has divided NFL fans ever since Jalen Hurts first got a brotherly shove from his offensive line in 2022.
The play came two votes shy of being banned by the NFL last offseason, and will likely be on the chopping block once again following this season. It’s drawn the ire of NFL fans this year for Eagles linemen seemingly lining up offsides or moving before the snap without being flagged by officials.
And at least one superstar pass rusher from a Lions division rival has expressed the sentiment many NFL fans have been crying out:
This is not football! 🚮🚮
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11)October 10, 2025
Tush push not a concern for Lions ahead of Week 11
A lot of people want the play banned, but Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn’t one of them. He stuck up for the merit of the play and complimented Philadelphia’s inventiveness and physicality.
“I’m a purist,” Campbell said this week. “You take something else out of the game, then we’re taking the next thing out of the game, then we take another thing out of the game, and pretty soon we don’t have pads anymore.”
“It’s unique and it’s physical and more than anything I just don’t want to take anything else out of the game. I just want to leave the game alone. That’s me.”
Detroit has been one of the best defenses in the NFL this season and surrendered the fifth-fewest yards in the league with 2,646. And as automatic as the tush push has been in short yardage situations, they’re embracing the challenge head-on.
“Just gotta find a way,” edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson said. “I don't think anybody's quite cracked it yet, but I trust big DJ Reader in the middle to get the job done. He’s stopped a few QB sneaks in his day, so it's going to be a great battle.”
The Lions believe in their big uglies. Reader has made his name on being a space-eating run stuffer, and Detroit recently welcomed back dynamic interior rusher Alim McNeill from a torn ACL.
They also have first-round rookie Tyleik Williams on the interior, and defensive tackle Roy Lopez has been an excellent depth signing who has played really well as of late.
With a play as predicated on brute strength and determination as the tush push, there’s no real way to out-think it. The only success teams have had with stopping it is by beating the Eagles at their own game in terms of physicality.
The Lions know that, and they’re ready for it.
“You can't really practice a QB sneak,” Hutchinson said. “It's just a battle of will.”
Sunday night will be a battle between two of the NFC’s top teams, both of whom pride themselves on winning at the lines of scrimmage and imposing their will. The tush push, divisive as it may be, is a microcosm of that philosophy.
The Lions will of course strive to keep Philadelphia out of short-yardage situations altogether. But when the inevitable 3rd-and-1 or so comes along, it’ll be a prime opportunity to see who can win the so-called battle of will.
“This will be a huge test for us on the road at their place against a championship team,” Campbell said. “We're excited about it.”
Tyler Shough Suspended One Game Without Pay for Violation of New NCAA Rule
Lubbock, TX – In a shocking development, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has been handed a one‑game suspension without pay for violating a newly implemented NCAA rule. The suspension comes as the NCAA enforces stricter guidelines this season, aimed at regulating player conduct both on and off the field.
Shough, who has been a key player for New Orleans Saints, was informed of the suspension following an internal investigation into his actions. While specific details of the violation have not been fully disclosed, sources close to the situation indicate that it was related to a breach of the league’s new rules regarding player interaction with agents and third‑party representatives. These rules were introduced to ensure fairness and prevent potential exploitation as college athletes navigate the complex world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.
The New Orleans Saints football program released a statement expressing their disappointment with the situation while reaffirming their commitment to upholding NCAA standards. "We take NCAA rules and regulations very seriously," the statement read. "Tyler has accepted responsibility for his actions, and we support the NCAA's decision. We are confident he will use this time to reflect and grow as both a player and a person."
Shough, who has been a standout quarterback for New Orleans Saints, took to social media to express regret over the incident. "I understand the importance of following the rules, and I take full responsibility for my actions," he wrote. "I will do everything I can to come back stronger and more focused. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and fans for your support during this time."
The suspension will keep Shough sidelined for the upcoming game, and while the Red Raiders will miss his leadership on the field, backup quarterback responsibilities will likely fall to sophomore Donovan Smith. New Orleans Saints head coach Joey McGuire has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adjust, saying, "We have a deep roster, and while Tyler’s absence will certainly be felt, we trust our guys to step up and perform."
As the NCAA continues to tighten regulations surrounding NIL and player conduct, this incident serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of college athletics. For Shough, this suspension marks a temporary setback, but it is clear he remains committed to his growth and future success both on and off the field.
