This is literally the wrong way to play NFL football

 By 
Sam Laird
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The storied San Francisco 49ers franchise has seen little but doom and gloom over the past several months, even if new Australian import Jarryd Hayne is offering glimpses of greatness during the pre-season.

Luckily, as 49ers fans mull whether they're aboard a down-bound train or will again taste greatness soon, wide receiver Quinton Patton is here to provide some comic relief.

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Patton showed everyone the literal wrong way to play NFL football during the 49ers' Sunday exhibition game against the Dallas Cowboys. After catching a second-quarter pass, he promptly -- and inexplicably -- then ran backwards to turn a short gain into a big loss. Here's video:

"Quinton Patton is running the wrong way!" http://t.co/X7Agl5Z6OB— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2015

Too bad there's no way a "fall guy" -- to borrow the advice of ESPN analyst Cris Carter -- can take the heat for Patton on this one.

BONUS: 25 of YouTube's Funniest Sports Fails

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