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Kellen Moore Uses Tush Push in Saints Offense Despite Having Once Voted to Ban It

September 9, 2025

Kellen Moore began his first season as head coach of the New Orleans Saints riding the high of a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. But instead of leaving the Eagles’ infamous “Tush Push” behind, he has brought the play to his new home in New Orleans.
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During the second quarter of Sunday’s matchup, the Saints faced a 3rd-and-1. Moore dialed up the Tush Push — the same short-yardage weapon that helped Philadelphia succeed on over 90% of those situations last season. This time, however, it unraveled quickly. Offensive lineman Dillon Radunz was flagged for lining up offside, wiping away what would have been a first down.

The twist is hard to miss: Moore himself was among the 22 coaches and executives who voted in the offseason to ban the Tush Push, calling it unsafe and bad for the league’s image. The proposal ultimately failed, falling just two votes shy of being approved. Now, the very coach who once opposed it is trying to replicate it.

For the Eagles, the play worked so effectively thanks to Jalen Hurts’ power and one of the NFL’s top offensive lines. The Saints, meanwhile, are learning the hard way that copying the formula isn’t so simple. Despite the penalty, New Orleans seemed committed to practicing and eventually perfecting the play.

The reaction was swift. Eagles fans quickly mocked Moore: “He left Philly, left Hurts, but couldn’t leave the Tush Push. Without us, that play is nothing.” Saints supporters were more divided. Some applauded Moore’s willingness to test one of the league’s toughest plays: “Better to fail early than never try. He’ll figure it out.” Others, however, blasted him for hypocrisy: “You voted to ban it and then used it yourself? That’s embarrassing.”

Media outlets also weighed in. ESPN called it “an ironic twist” in Moore’s debut, while CBS analysts suggested the Saints’ offensive line needs refinement before trying to turn the Tush Push into a real weapon.

👉 The takeaway is clear: Moore may have once stood against the play, but when it comes to grinding out tough yards, he’s willing to rely on the very tactic he once wanted erased from the game

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TIME CHANGE: How to Watch 49ERS vs BUCCANEERS in Week 6 - TV, Streaming, Kickoff Info
We are announcing a change in the schedule for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. This game has been flexed by the NFL to optimize the broadcast schedule, ensuring the best experience for fans across the United States and internationally. Reason for the Change Optimized Broadcast Schedule: The NFL has moved this game to a primetime slot to attract a larger audience on national television networks. Team Performance: With both teams boasting an impressive 4-1 record after five weeks, this matchup is considered one of the week's most exciting, deserving a high-viewership time slot. Original schedule (before the flex) Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) on Sunday, October 12, 2025.  pdated schedule (after the flex) Matchup: San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Time: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 12, 2025 (local time in Tampa, Florida, equivalent to 1:25 PM PT) Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida How to Watch (U.S.) TV: CBS — Late national window (4:25 PM ET)Projected crew: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson Streaming: Paramount+ (with Live TV): Streams your local CBS channel (availability varies by market) YouTube TV / other vMVPDs: Watch via your local CBS affiliate (if carried) Out-of-market: NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube/YouTube TV for Sunday afternoon out-of-market games Radio Coverage 49ers (English): Flagships (Bay Area): KNBR 680 AM and 107.7 The Bone (KSAN-FM) Also available via the 49ers Radio Network and the 49ers app/website Example local listing: 1:25 PM PT Buccaneers (English): Flagship (Tampa Bay): WXTB 97.9 FM (98 ROCK) — Gene Deckerhoff, Dave Moore, T.J. Rives SiriusXM: Channel 226 (home-team feed) Bucs Radio Network: Statewide and regional affiliates (full frequency list available via team channels) Note: Over-the-air TV/radio coverage varies by location. Share your city/county and we’ll filter the local listings for you. Betting Snapshot (as of Oct 9, 2025 — subject to change) Spread: 49ers −3.5 Over/Under: 42.5 Moneyline: 49ers −165 / Buccaneers +140Check your preferred sportsbook for the latest numbers. Stay Updated For regional broadcast maps, game-week details, and fan events, visit the official team channels and follow on social media. International viewers should confirm local carriage and blackout rules with their providers.   We look forward to your passionate support for this crucial matchup! Let’s cheer on the 49ers as they continue their journey in the 2025 season!