Colts punter explains why the fake punt play was a ‘complete cluster’
Yes, there’s an explanation for why the Colts’ fake punt play went awry.
And no, it doesn’t make Colts head coach Chuck Pagano look any better.
Safety Clayton Geathers, not Griff Whalen, was supposed to play center during that play. But Gaethers suffered an injury in the second quarter and did return in the Patriots 31-27 win over the Colts.
“Insert Griff Whalen who had never done it before,’’ punter Pat McAffee said on “Bob and Tom,’’ a local Indianapolis radio show. “So Griff Whalen is now the new center in a play he’s never practiced before.’’
An original version of the play was in the Colts’ playbook, and was intended to draw players offsides. This second option of the play, McAfee explained, wasn’t in the playbook — it was only taught to the specials teams unit. The special teams unit was ordered not to snap the ball in attempt to draw players offsides or catch the Patriots with too many players on the field. Of course, Whalen wasn’t aware of that.
In the playbook, the play calls for the center to snap the ball.
“Griff has no idea we’re trying to draw the guy offsides,’’ said McAfee, “because in the play it says if we get under center, snap it. So Colt Anderson (the quarterback on the play) is trying to draw a guy offsides to pick up an easy five yards. If not, we just don’t snap it. We take a delay of game.’’
[fragment number=0]
The result of the play was a sack, a negated penalty, and a world of criticism for Pagano.
“It turned out to be one of the most failed fakes probably of all time,’’ McAfee said after the game. “… It was just not good … a complete cluster.’’
To further confuse the Patriots, the Colts offensive unit was waiting at the sideline, pretending that they were ready to swap with the special teams unit. A swing-gate fake, like the one the Colts attempted, involves all but two players running toward the sideline.
“We are sprinting to the sideline in hopes to make the other team think we are subbing our offense back onto the field,’’ McAfee said. “So, when they think the offense is coming back on the field, your hope is that they think their defense has to come back on the field.’’
That fakeout didn’t work. The Patriots special teams unit stayed on the field, and the defensive unit stayed on the sideline. So, the Colts’ only hope was to draw the Patriots players offsides. When that didn’t happen, a confused Whalen snapped the football.
“Yesterday was like the time’s when we were 2-14,’’ McAfee said, “because we shot ourselves in the foot so hard.’’
What celebrities have said about Deflategate
[bdc-gallery id=”108852″]
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com