In the midst of the Patriots, and many other teams, getting OTAs started this week, the owners met for their annual meeting which includes voting upon new rule proposals for the upcoming season. Among the most controversial and debated topics was whether the infamous tush push, a play the Eagles have made apart of their repitoire, would remain legal.
Because the Super Bowl winners have been so successful with the play with quarterback Jalen Hurts, some viewed it as an unfair advantage, while others felt it put players at unnecessary risk of injury, leading them to believe it should be banned. Unfortunately for them, it did not receive the 24 needed votes to be made illegal, with the Patriots being one of the few teams to vote with the Eagles to keep it in the playbook.
Some teams that joined up with the Eagles to keep the tush push alive were surprising; the Patriots were likely considered one of them, primarily due to their lack of using the play throughout the team's history.
But it could be a sign of something to come now that they have a quarterback like Drake Maye at the helm, and perhaps Josh McDaniels will try to incorporate it in his new look offense for the 2025 season.
The Patriots' feelings on the tush push could be a sign of what's to come for the offense
Because they have historically been a team that has used a pocket passing quarterback, the Patriots have not been one to utilize a play like the tush push for their offense. Tom Brady was not known for being a speedy runner, hence his not reaching 1,000 yards rushing until near the end of his career.
That won't be the case with Drake Maye, who has already shown his impressive skills to continue plays with his legs. That could be a reason for the Patriots to vote with the Eagles to keep the unique quarterback play legal, and might be something fans see on game day in New England.
Although Maye is not the same stature as Hurts, as he's taller and a little heavier, but not known for his strength, there's a good chance that McDaniels could try to test out the play in the red zone. Scoring and taking advantage of red zone positioning has been a weak point for the Patriots in recent years. So if they feel comfortable with their offensive line and quarterback to use a play like the tush push, then why not see if it can work for them, too?
McDaniels has made it known that he has changed his offensive philosophy since last being with the team. He spent time at college campuses and freshened up his playbook. Given how the team voted on such a controversial play, it would be interesting to see it incorporated into their game plan, especially since they have a much different quarterback than Brady to work with.