By Moses Joshua 
The Lions’ head coach keeps his focus on the bigger picture ahead of a high-stakes matchup with the Eagles
Campbell Downplays the “Tush Push” Threat
As the Detroit Lions gear up for a critical Week 11 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles, many expected head coach Dan Campbell to have a plan in place for one of the league’s most controversial and unstoppable plays — the “tush push.” Yet, when asked how his team is preparing to defend the signature quarterback sneak that has become the Eagles’ trademark, Campbell made his stance unmistakably clear.
“The tush push is the least of my concerns,” Campbell said during an interview on 97.1 The Ticket, via Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith. “I know it’s gonna show up and it’s a good play for them, but we’ve got a lot of other things we’ve got to defend before that.”
While the “Brotherly Shove” has frustrated defenses across the league, Campbell appears unfazed. His focus remains on the broader challenge of stopping a Philadelphia offense that thrives on balance, power, and precision.
Lions Among Teams That Defended the Play’s Legitimacy
Notably, Detroit was one of just ten NFL teams that voted against banning the “tush push” during the offseason. Campbell has consistently maintained that the play, while difficult to defend, is part of the game’s physical nature.
“You can’t really practice that per se, full speed. I’m not going to line our guys up and say we’re going to go 100 miles an hour on tush push eight times today,” Campbell explained. “It’s just more about the technique, how you want to defend it, what you want to do. We’ve got some pretty good dudes that know how to play with leverage.”
His respect for the play — and for the execution required to make it work — sets him apart from many of his coaching peers. Campbell’s approach highlights a blend of realism and confidence in his defensive unit’s ability to handle whatever the Eagles throw their way.
Eyes on the Bigger Battle
For Campbell, the “tush push” is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The Lions, sitting at 6-3 and atop the NFC North, are seeking to maintain their momentum following a convincing 44–22 victory over the Washington Commanders. The Eagles, at 7-3, currently lead the NFC East — setting the stage for what could be a playoff-caliber showdown under the Sunday night lights.
Campbell’s mindset reflects the identity he’s built in Detroit — tough, disciplined, and laser-focused on the fundamentals. While fans and analysts may fixate on the infamous short-yardage play, Campbell’s priority is clear: win the trenches, control the tempo, and play Lions football.
And if the “tush push” comes their way? Campbell and his squad will be ready to meet it head-on — leverage and all.