Perhaps this is why the New England Patriots rarely attempt trick plays.
The Pats faced a fourth-and-9 from their own 27-yard line during their opening drive of Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. New England lined up in punt formation, but ended up running — and converting — a rare trick play thanks to a 14-yard scamper from special-teamer Nate Ebner.
🚨🚨 FAKE PUNT ALERT! 🚨🚨
The @Patriots get tricky! #GoPats https://t.co/mwC6iuUOJK
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2017
It's been a while.
The #Patriots first fake punt since Dec. 12, 2004 vs. Cincinnati. #MIAvsNE https://t.co/GB6vVgJPot
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 26, 2017
But the cheers from the Gillette Stadium crowd didn’t last long, as Ebner appeared to injure his knee on the play.
Ebner had to be helped to the locker room and quickly was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
#Patriots injury update: Nate Ebner is out with a knee injury. #MIAvsNE
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 26, 2017
The Pats again were without the services of special teams ace Matthew Slater, who missed his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury, so they can ill afford to lose Ebner for an extended period of time.
Hopefully this doesn’t dissuade Patriots head coach Bill Belichick from attempting more trick plays in the future.
