When innovation goes wrong: The worst NFL play ever?

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano reacts in his side's loss against the Patriots. Photo / Getty

As far as innovative ideas go, this one backfired.

Down 27-21 to the New England Patriots and facing a fourth-and-3 from their own 37, the Indianapolis Colts looked to add some trickery to their offence with a fake punt.

It's fair to say it did not go well.

The Colts tried a unique formation on 4th down.
It didn't work. #NEvsIND http://t.co/Eh0HXpFV00

— NFL (@NFL) October 19, 2015

The Colts initially lined up in punt formation, then shifted all but two players to the right side of the field. Next, wide receiver Griff Whelan, who lined up as the centre, snapped the ball to safety Colt Anderson, who was playing quarterback in what appeared to be a "swinging gate" play.

The Patriots weren't fooled. With nowhere to go and three players to beat, Anderson got tackled immediately, but making matters worse, the Colts were penalised for an illegal formation because not enough players on the right side were at the line of scrimmage.

Colts coach Chuck Pagano, who took the blame for the play's failure, was seen mouthing "Why did you snap it?" to Whalen, hinting that the bizarre play was merely an attempt to get the Patriots to jump offside and commit a penalty which would give the Colts a new set of downs.

New England declined the penalty and Tom Brady took the Patriots in for a touchdown on the ensuing short drive for a 34-21 lead early in the fourth quarter, from which they held on to take a 34-27 win and remain unbeaten through week six of the NFL season.