PHX Reporter

The National Football League has decided to delay the decision regarding a potential ban on the Tush Push play, prominently used by the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills. The vote, which took place on Tuesday, had 16 teams in favor of the ban. However, 24 votes are required for any rule change to be implemented.

"A lot of teams had a lot of views," stated competition committee co-chair Rich McKay, indicating significant discussion among the teams. The issue will reportedly be revisited in the next owner's meeting in May. The league may reconsider a 2004 rule change that permitted pushing and pulling teammates on the field, a practice that was difficult for officials to regulate.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon expressed neutrality on the Tush Push play, stating, "There are good valid points on both sides of the coin." He refrained from detailing his stance but noted that Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni is aware of his position.

Other decisions made by the NFL owners include making the dynamic kickoff rule permanent, with touchbacks now resulting in the ball being placed at the 35-yard line. This change aims to reduce deep kicks and encourage more returns, as the league seeks to increase return rates from 29 percent to between 60 and 70 percent. Adjustments allow return teams to adopt a 6-3-2 player alignment.

Additional measures approved involve replay assists to rectify calls, though these are limited to picking up flags rather than introducing new penalties. The playoff overtime rules will now be applied in regular-season games, ensuring both teams receive a possession regardless of initial touchdowns. However, regular-season overtimes still consist of a maximum 10-minute play period.

A proposal to modify team seeding for the playoffs and considerations surrounding onside kickoffs were both deferred for later discussion. Presently, onside kicks can only be attempted in the fourth quarter, but proposals could allow earlier attempts if teams are trailing.

Gannon expressed some dissatisfaction with the new touchback rule, implying defenses may face challenges starting a mere 65 yards from the goal line. Nonetheless, the Cardinals plan to adapt to the rules in place.

Regarding replay assistants, Gannon approved, noting, "If we are trying to get it right and it doesn't impact the speed of the game, I'm all for it."