The tush-push rule had been a topic of discussion since the Green Bay Packers brought it to a vote to remove it from the game. The change did not pass, and the tush push will remain. So, while the story became a complete non-story, it was still a topic of discussion across the league. Ben Johnson used the moment to take a small shot at the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ben Johnson is not a fan of the tush push
On one hand, you love this from Johnson. Johnson is bringing excitement to the Chicago Bears franchise that has hardly had reason to be excited in years. Johnson has shown that he can draw up a creative play, and as we learn more about Johnson, this is clearly part of his personality.
Johnson took a shot at Matt LeFleur in his opening press conference, so it makes sense that he didn’t go back at the Packers for bringing up the possible change, but instead went at the Eagles.
While the callout is fun-hearted and not going to be remembered during the regular season, there is also a touch of skepticism tied to it. Bears fans have not had reasons to be excited in the fall, but plenty of coaches have come in, talked big, and gotten spirits high around this time of the year. While it is fun, you would almost rather see him prove himself with Caleb Williams before he talks.
Beyond that, while every Bears fan loves to hear a Packers troll, the Eagles are the defending champions, and the tush push clearly has had an impact on their success. Eagles fans were also quick to point out the trick plays that can be run from the formation that create more than just a one-yard gain.
Will Johnson end up eating his words, or will his offense be so incredible that we forget this ever was brought up?