Fansided

10 worst plays in NFL history

By John Buhler

Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Griff Whalen (17) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive back Brandon King (36) during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Griff Whalen (17) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive back Brandon King (36) during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jerome Pathon scores with no time on the clock December 21, 2003 at Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida. Pathon scored on a play where the ball changed hands five times.The Jaguars won 20 - 19 when the Saints missed the extra point. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jerome Pathon scores with no time on the clock December 21, 2003 at Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida. Pathon scored on a play where the ball changed hands five times.The Jaguars won 20 – 19 when the Saints missed the extra point. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

7. River City Relay

There may not have ever been a sloppier seven seconds in NFL history than the series of plays known as the River City Relay. This was a Week 16 game between the New Orleans Saints (7-7) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) on December 21st, 2003.

The Saints needed to win their final two games of 2003 to qualify for the NFC Playoffs. Jacksonville was already out of the AFC Playoff picture, but was totally cool with playing the role of spoiler.

Down 20-13 with seven seconds remaining on their own 25-yard line, the Saints needed a touchdown and an extra point to force overtime to keep their playoff dreams alive. After a series of laterals (all legal), the Saints would get into the end zone on a Jerome Pathon dive well after time expired. Keep in mind this was only a few years after the Music City Miracle happened in Nashville for the Jaguars’ rival Tennessee Titans.

The officials would consult and confirm that Aaron Brooks to Donte Stallworth to Michael Lewis to Deuce McAllister to Pathan was a touchdown. All the Saints needed was a John Carney extra point to force overtime at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville.

Well, Carney missed the PAT wide right, costing the Saints a potential trip to the 2003 NFC Playoffs. This play would go on to win Best Play at the 2004 ESPYs.

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