The Swinging Gate is an unorthodox set-piece play in American football, executed in either the offensive or special-teams sections of play. It is unusual in that the offensive line, with the exception of the center, will line up to one side of the field, leaving the quarterback and running back unprotected on the other. Its goal is to disconcert a defensive front in order to allow a quick screen pass to a wide receiver with six blockers, or to allow a short run by the running back. Surprise is the main goal of the play, and it is not typically run outside of short-yardage situations. It is not often found in the NFL, due to the danger of a quarterback injury. In a Wild Card playoff game on January 6, 2008 against the San Diego Chargers, the Tennessee Titans lined up in the Swinging Gate fo