Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed frustration after a controversial fourth-quarter play during his team’s 24-23 loss to the New England Patriots on November 5, 2023. Morris claimed that the Patriots simulated his team’s snap count by clapping, which contributed to an intentional grounding penalty against quarterback Michael Penix Jr..
With just over two minutes remaining in the game and the Falcons trailing by one point, the team faced a crucial second down at the Patriots’ 48-yard line. As center Ryan Neuzil snapped the ball, Penix and his offensive line were not fully prepared. The result was immediate pressure from the Patriots’ defense, forcing Penix to throw the ball into the ground, aiming for tight end Kyle Pitts Sr..
The intentional grounding penalty resulted in a loss of 10 yards and a loss of down. Following that play, Penix failed to connect with wide receiver David Sills V on a third-and-20 attempt, leading to a punt that effectively ended the Falcons’ chances of a comeback.
In the NFL, simulating an opponent’s snap count is categorized as a “disconcerting signal,” which can incur a 15-yard penalty. Such calls are rare due to the difficulty of identifying the source of signals in the noise of a stadium.
“They were clapping and simulated our snap,” Morris remarked. “That’s why the ball got snapped early and Mike wasn’t ready for the snap.” Penix added that his own clapping signals for the ball may have confused Neuzil. “Whenever I’m clapping, that means I want the ball and [Neuzil] said he heard them clapping and thought it was my clapping,” he explained.
The Falcons had an opportunity to tie the game earlier in the fourth quarter but missed a crucial extra point. Kicker Parker Romo failed to convert after Penix connected with wide receiver Drake London for an 8-yard touchdown with 4:44 left on the clock.
In response to the allegations, Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams denied any wrongdoing. He suggested that a miscommunication might have occurred on the Falcons’ offensive line, particularly as starting left guard Matthew Bergeron exited the game early due to an ankle injury and right guard Chris Lindstrom left in the fourth quarter with a foot injury. Both were replaced by Kyle Hinton and Jovaughn Gwyn.
“I didn’t hear any clap,” Williams stated, emphasizing that he focuses solely on the ball. “The ball moves, I’m gone.”
As the season progresses, the fallout from this contentious moment could have implications for both teams as they navigate their respective playoff pursuits.
