Tush Push Blocking Question
 

So, I am high, and watching highlights of the Eagles-Rams game, and Philly has run a few tush push plays. Their white uniforms really stick out on that field and against the Rams yellow pants.

Travis Kelce got flagged today for an illegal low block.

What is the difference between Travis going low like that, and how the Philly offensive linemen dive at the knees of the defenders?

Because, watching these highlights, that's actually what they are doing. They dive at the knees of the defenders.

How is that legal? If it is legal, why is blocking low on a regular play, like Travis did, illegal?

I believe that the block Travis threw was illegal and I think it is illegal with good reason, which is those blocks usually happen to defenders who don't see it coming, causing injuries, but purposely diving at a defenders knees seems like it should just be illegal.

What is the rule, or rules, and what do you think?

Kelce blocked a guy low that was outside of the tackle box...

So, why aren't offensive linemen diving at knees on every play, if it is legal? It seems like it would be a great technique to use.

If the defensive lineman wasn't sure if you were going to dive at his knees, or block up high, he would have to hesitate slightly, or possibly risk having his career ended because he planted his feet as his knees were hit.

Players are so athletic if they see you dive at your knees you just juke around it. Kelce's block today was coming down the line and the guy's momentum was going in one direction.

I'm actually surprised that some DL haven't started trying to take out the knees of the OL for the Eagles. Most OL and DL that I ever knew kinda had an unwritten rule of "don't end my career with a dirty hit and I won't end yours". Going at a defender's knees/ankles was always considered "dirty".

I thought the rule had something to do with being a blind side blocker. In this case, since Kelce was coming from outside (the tackle box), the defender did not see him coming. In the Eagles case, it's the guys right in front of you. Not the same thing.

Also, I believe that rule came about because of the dirty, cheating Denver Broncos and their style led to many players' seasons or careers ending.

I think a riot is in order, I'm down to riot today - LMK - can meet u with Big Bill and X Fact.

Kelce hit the defender low while an O-Lineman hit him high. That's why he got the penalty.

If you are inside the tackle box, so from LT to RT and including anyone in the back field that's between the tackles, then you are allowed to go low and perform a cut block. Cut blocks are used and you see RBs doing it alot when they stay in to block, but the OL does it too. They just don't do it alot, because if it doesn't work, then the defender has no one blocking him and a direct line to the QB/ball carrier.

I've wondered why it's not done more often by entire offensive lines. The broncos got two Super Bowl trophies with no real talent, purely because they had an offensive philosophy of diving at defenders' knees. Apparently it wasn't illegal to do and it works since defenders can't plant their feet, so why did other teams not adopt it?

As improbable as it sounds, I do think there's an honor code in the NFL and it's such an abhorrent thing to do that teams (other than the broncos) won't do it.

Kelce's block was just an aberration of positioning and movement, obviously. It'll happen occasionally by accident, and that's not a huge issue.

O-linemen don't go low every time because they have more responsibilities than just the guy infront of them, plus you take yourself out of the play when your on the ground.

No he didn't...there was no second engagement high from another player.

Now. Why don’t we put Jet in the qb spot and run this play on short yardage?

I was about to post that many seasons ago knee diving at the snap of the ball was Denver's entire blocking scheme.
I'm assuming that more teams didn't pick up on it because it's hard to continue blocking and flowing with the play when your OL is rolling around on the ground trying to trip up defenders.

No, that's an "illegal chop block". What Kelce did was a "crack back block". Different things.