The debate surrounding the “tush push” is heating up again. The NFL is apparently urging referees to scrutinize the play more closely.

The NFL has instructed its referees to monitor the “tush push” more closely.

Following a controversial execution by the Philadelphia Eagles in their game against the Kansas City Chiefs (20:17), false start penalties are to be consistently enforced.

This is according to a memo to referees obtained by the Washington Post.

In their regular-season game against the Chiefs, the Eagles used the “tush push” six times, gaining four first downs and a touchdown. However, according to reports by ESPN and the Washington Post, at least one false start was overlooked. Chiefs coach Andy Reid criticized after the game: “They may have started a little too early on a couple of sneaks.” Former quarterback and TV analyst Tom Brady also pointed out premature movements in the Eagles’ offense during the broadcast.

Philadelphia Eagles: NFL admits mistake in Chiefs game

Ramon George, NFL vice president of officiating, emphasized in a training video for all 32 teams: “In short-yardage situations, we have to call these plays accurately. The offensive team has to be perfect in every way. We want to make strict and clear decisions.“ He acknowledged that the play was ”very difficult to call,“ but pointed out: ”There was movement by the right guard before the snap.”

The Eagles have converted the tush push in 96.6 percent of 4th&1 situations since 2022, which prevented a ban on the play in the summer (22-10 votes against). Eagles center Cam Jurgens commented: “If the league wants to emphasize and tighten the rules, we will take that into account. But we’ll continue to play our Eagles football.”