Jaguars and Packers Push to Ban "Tight End Attack" Play, League-Wide Fallout Expected
New York, NY – A leaked joint proposal from the Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars has revealed an effort to ban the widely used "Tight End Attack" play out of the "Singleback Wing Pair" formation. The move comes as the play’s effectiveness has reached game-breaking levels, with teams like the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears abusing it to devastating effect.
The proposal surfaces in the wake of the Bills’ controversial use of "Tight End Attack" to secure a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With defenses struggling to contain it, teams across the league have leaned heavily on the route combination, leading to an outcry from defensive coordinators.
For Jacksonville and Green Bay, the issue appears to be more than just frustration: it’s competitive balance. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur have reportedly expressed concerns in private meetings about the play’s near-unstoppable execution. “It’s not about scheme, it’s about a fundamental flaw in how defenses are forced to react,” said an anonymous league source.
"Tight End Attack" has become the go-to call in critical situations, particularly on third downs. The design exploits defensive mismatches, utilizing the tight end on deep crossing routes while forcing linebackers and safeties into impossible coverage decisions. Even elite defenses have struggled to counter the play, leading to rampant usage.
Notable offenders include:
Buffalo Bills - Used "Tight End Attack" to seal a game-winning drive against the Buccaneers.
Minnesota Vikings - Featured it as a staple in their passing attack, notably to tight end TJ Hockenson.
Chicago Bears - Chicago tight end Cole Kmet is having a career year behind the play, as well as its sister play, "Tight End Drive", out of the same formation.
The NFL Competition Committee is now under pressure to address the proposal, though a midseason ban would be unprecedented. Some executives believe that defensive coordinators simply need to adjust, while others argue that its effectiveness is fundamentally unfair.
A similar situation unfolded after the 2023 calendar year when the league banned the tush push, a quarterback sneak technique popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles. The decision, which was heavily criticized, had a major impact on the Eagles’ playoff chances, as they lost a key strategic advantage that had helped them dominate short-yardage situations. The precedent set by that ban could play a role in how the league handles "Tight End Attack" moving forward.
Will the league take action, or will defenses be forced to evolve? One thing is clear: "Tight End Attack" isn’t going away without a fight.