The Detroit Lions shook off last week’s stumble against the Minnesota Vikings with a commanding road victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Head coach Dan Campbell seized control of offensive play-calling duties himself, and the gamble paid off in a big way.
Now comes the hard part. The Lions travel to Philadelphia this weekend, where they’ll face an Eagles team that has weaponized one of football’s most debated plays.
The “Tush Push” remains a source of endless frustration for opposing NFL fans and coaches alike. Many insist the Eagles regularly get away with early jumps that should draw flags, and some believe they’ve caught favorable breaks on fumble calls too.
Campbell, though, isn’t buying into the complaints. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he made it clear he views the controversy through a different lens entirely.
“I’m a purist,” Campbell said. “You take something else out of the game, then we’re taking the next thing out of the game, then we take another thing out of the game, and pretty soon we don’t have pads anymore…. It’s something a team’s got a niche, they’ve found something, they’re good at it, and it’s for everybody else to stop.”
It’s a refreshing take in a league where coaches rarely pass up chances to complain about officiating gray areas. Philadelphia probably appreciates the endorsement, even if Campbell’s peers don’t share his perspective.
Most around the NFL expect the Tush Push to land back on the offseason agenda, mainly because officials keep struggling to call it correctly.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) lines up for the tush push play on the goal line against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The play nearly got axed before this season after NFL owners debated player-safety concerns but ultimately let it stand.
For now, the rulebook says it’s fair game. That means Detroit’s defense better figure out how to stop it Sunday.
As the 2025 NFL season intensifies, Geno Smith has made one thing abundantly clear: he’s not interested in the off-field chatter, the opinions of critics, or the narratives being spun by the media.
Smith has faced his fair share of criticism throughout his career, with his time with the Seattle Seahawks and now his tenure with the Raiders providing plenty of moments for pundits to weigh in. After a series of inconsistent performances, there’s no shortage of narratives being built around his future in the NFL. But Smith isn’t concerned with the noise — he’s determined to prove himself on the field.
A New Focus: One Play at a Time
For Smith, it’s all about his next opportunity to lead his team to victory. Despite a rough start to the season with the Raiders, Smith is focused on putting the past behind him and moving forward. His statement is a clear indication that he’s choosing to focus on what he can control — his performance, his leadership, and the results on the field.
“I’ve learned to block out the distractions,” Smith continued. “At the end of the day, it’s about what happens when you step onto that field. The rest doesn’t matter. I’m here to play ball, and that’s where my focus is.”
This mindset comes at a critical juncture for Smith. The Raiders are looking for consistency from their quarterback, and Smith knows that he needs to step up and lead this team. With a solid supporting cast around him and a coaching staff committed to his success, Smith is ready to show the world that he’s capable of more than the ups and downs he’s been labeled with in the past.
The Opportunity Ahead
Week 11 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Smith’s season. As the Raiders face a tough opponent, the quarterback’s ability to block out the noise and deliver on the field will be crucial. With his statement, Smith is making it clear that he isn’t going to be defined by the criticism or the narrative that surrounds him. His focus is laser-sharp, and he’s determined to let his play do the talking.
For the Raiders, Smith’s commitment to his role and his no-nonsense approach could be the spark they need to get back on track. His leadership will be key to executing the game plan and finding success in the high-stakes moments. And for Smith, his chance to prove himself on the field has never been more important.
No More Excuses
At this point in his career, Geno Smith has nothing left to prove to anyone except himself. He’s already overcome plenty of obstacles, and now it’s all about taking responsibility for his role in the offense and leading his team with conviction. The past is behind him, and the future is in his hands. Smith has the chance to rewrite the narrative — and he’s doing it with one clear focus: football.
As the Raiders head into the second half of the season, the pressure is on. But with Geno Smith’s mindset firmly on the field, the distractions of the outside world won’t be a factor. The only thing that matters now is what happens when he takes the snap. No distractions, no excuses — just football.