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The Controversy: Parsons Calls Out Philly
Micah Parsons, the edge rusher for the Green Bay Packers, is not holding back. After seeing the Philadelphia Eagles run the “Tush Push” play four times in a row in their game against the New York Giants, he took to X (formerly Twitter) and dropped this bomb:
“This is not football! 🚮🚮”
He wasn’t just trolling; he followed up with comments to reporters that added fuel:
- He said the Tush Push is “the most consistent thing they got, but that might come and bite me one day.” (NBC Sports)
- He also complained about missed false starts by Eagles linemen, which he believes gives the team an unfair advantage.
⚙️ What’s the Tush Push Even Is
If you’re not in the loop: the Tush Push is a quarterback sneak play where a few offensive linemen push the quarterback forward (usually in short-yardage situations) to gain minimal but crucial distance. It’s become one of the Eagles’ go-to plays when it comes to “4th-and-short” or similar scenarios.
What Went Down: Giants Game & Philly’s Move
In that Thursday Night Football showdown:
- Philly used the Tush Push four straight times in the second quarter, converting yard after yard and eventually scoring. (PFSN)
- There was controversy: replays showed Eagles lineman Tyler Steen moved early on at least one of those plays, which should’ve been flagged as a false start, but the refs didn’t call it.
- Fans booed. Opponents, analysts, and even Parsons, seeing repeat use of this tactic, blew up, saying it’s boring, predictable, and feels unfair.
Parsons’ Take vs. Philly’s Defense
Micah Parsons is clearly annoyed. He’s calling the play “trash,” saying it’s “not football,” and saying the league needs to do better with officiating.
On the other side: the Eagles have leaned into using it. They see it as a reliable, short-yardage solution when they need it. Critics say yes, it works, but at what cost to the spirit of the game?
What Could Come Next
- Rule Changes? The league has had conversations before. The play has been proposed to be banned in owners’ meetings, sometimes narrowly failing to pass.
- More Missed Calls = More Drama. Parsons and others are pointing out that uncalled false starts are happening often, and that leaves room for criticism.
- Motivation Fuel. Philly may take Parsons’ words personally. He said his comments might come back to bite him in their next matchups.
