Opponents are still struggling to stop the Philadelphia Eagles’ tush push play, but Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay appears ready to try a new strategy.
McVay was asked Monday if he plans to alert the league office and ask for additional scrutiny after the Eagles appeared to get away with a clear false start while running the play in Sunday’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The penalty was not called by the officials, leading FOX broadcaster Tom Brady to criticize the officiating crew for missing it (video here).
McVay was certainly aware Monday that the Eagles got a head start on their signature play at least once. He indicated that he will likely be offering league officials a firm reminder ahead of the Rams’ Week 3 game in Philadelphia.
“I did see some of those things last night and that’ll obviously be a big talking point because they’re such a damn good team and it’s such a successful play for them,” McVay said, via Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. “So those are conversations with the league office, but I’m sure they’ll have the same ones and operate within the confines of not getting a little bit of a rolling start before the ball is snapped.”
This is not the first time the Eagles have managed to get away with a false start on the tush push play. Sunday’s error caused significant outcry, and it would not be a shock to see officials make it a point of emphasis moving forward. That is particularly true when high-profile media members are openly trashing the play.