One of the most controversial plays in football is the Tush Push. Everyone seems to have an opinion on it, but one fact is that it isn't going anywhere in the foreseeable future.
That said, the Chicago Bears should consider implementing the Tush Push into their playbook. It's the perfect play to help the Bears win in short-yardage situations, and it could make a huge impact down the stretch.
Let's look at a few teams that run the Tush Push. Obviously, the Philadelphia Eagles run this play to perfection. They just won the Super Bowl. They also finished top 10 in both third and fourth down conversions last season. The Buffalo Bills currently run a variation of the Tush Push with similar success with MVP quarterback Josh Allen. They made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game.
Simply put, teams that play football deep into January have the Tush Push stashed away in their playbook for when they need it. If the Bears want to join them and enjoy a deep playoff run, it would make sense to give the Tush Push a fighting chance.
After trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, the Bears have the necessary personnel to run this play with success. While Caleb Williams can't squat 600 pounds like Jalen Hurts, there's no doubt he can still plow forward for first downs with the Tush Push. The Bears can keep this play deep in their playbook and use it when they need it on short third and fourth down situations.
The Tush Push would quickly become an asset for the Bears, who ranked just 25th on third down situations last season. The Bears played in a lot of close games last season. Imagine how different some of those outcomes could have been if they won more on third and fourth down?
In the past, the Bears have proven they aren't afraid to get innovative on offense. They are credited with being the first team to convert a defensive lineman into a fullback when they lined up William "The Refrigerator" Perry at fullback, scoring a touchdown in the Super Bowl for the 1985 Bears--one of the greatest teams ever.
However, new head coach Ben Johnson isn't on board with the Tush Push. The Bears voted against the play this past owner's meeting and Johnson criticized it for not being "an explosive play" during a recent press conference.
Ben Johnson should embrace the Tush Push
Johnson should consider having a change of heart. Even though he is renowned across the league for his vertical offense, the Detroit Lions, his former team, were among the teams to vote against the Tush Push ban.
It's a football play... and it's a play that merits incredible results when needed. Lining up in the Tush Push formation to fight for a first down on a cold December Sunday screams NFC North football.
Regardless of whether the Bears run the Tush Push, it will be interesting to see what Johnson has in store for the offense next season.