Falcons’ Late-Game Misfire Sparks Controversy Over Clapping In Loss To Patriots

During a tight 24-23 loss to the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris publicly accused the Patriots of illegally simulating Atlanta’s snap count by clapping, which induced the early snap. According to Morris.

The Atlanta Falcons found themselves caught up in the late-game controversy. With just 2:0 remaining on the clock and Atlanta trailing by one point at the Patriots’ 48-yard line, Falcons center Ryan Neuzil snapped the ball early on second-and-10.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was not prepared, under immediate pressure, and was flagged for intentional grounding. This turned the situation into a third and 20 and effectively ended the chance to tie or take the lead.

If Morris’s claims are true, the act would fall under the NFL rule forbidding disconcerting signals. The Patriots refute the claim. Defensive tackle Milton Williams said he did not hear any clapping and noted the play may have been a result of a communication breakdown on Atlanta’s line.

Coach Mike Vrabel dismissed it as a “waste of time” and said his team did not teach or engage in clapping to confuse a snap.

By the following day, Morris offered a softer position: after reviewing the tape, he acknowledged that the snap was their fault and that he didn’t want to fuel the fire. “It was on us,” he said.

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Article by Ed Middlecoff