The rivalry between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers isn’t just playing out on the field—it’s heating up at the NFL’s annual league meetings as well. Lions general manager Brad Holmes took a direct shot at the Packers after Green Bay proposed banning the “tush push” play that the Philadelphia Eagles have turned into a nearly unstoppable weapon.
“The Eagles came up with it. They’re effective at it. They’re really good at it. So if you don’t like it, stop it,” Holmes said. “That’s our stance on it. Other teams have tried it and have not been as effective.”
Holmes’ comments make it clear that the Lions have no issue with the play, which involves the offensive line and a quarterback sneak aided by teammates pushing from behind. The Eagles have mastered it under head coach Nick Sirianni, using it to great success in short-yardage situations.
Green Bay, however, believes the play creates an unfair advantage for the offense and raises potential injury risks. While no major injuries have been linked to the tactic, the Packers argue that allowing players to push a ball carrier forward takes away from the competitive balance of the game.
The debate over the tush push has divided NFL fans and teams alike. While some franchises see it as an evolution of offensive strategy, others view it as a loophole that needs to be closed. For now, the league has yet to decide whether to outlaw the play, but if Holmes’ comments are any indication, the Lions have no plans to back down from using it—or from taking shots at their division rival.
