In a tense fourth quarter, Raheem Morris, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, expressed frustration following his team’s narrow defeat to the New England Patriots on November 5, 2023. Morris alleged that the Patriots’ defense used clapping to simulate a snap count, resulting in an intentional grounding penalty against quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
With just 2:09 left in the game and the Falcons trailing by a single point, the team found itself at the Patriots’ 48-yard line. On a critical second down, center Ryan Neuzil snapped the ball prematurely while Penix and his offensive linemen were unprepared. Under pressure from the Patriots’ defense, Penix was forced to throw the ball into the ground, aimed toward tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. The ensuing penalty cost the Falcons ten yards and a loss of down.
Morris criticized the tactic, which falls under the NFL rule regarding disconcerting signals, stating, “They were clapping and simulated our snap. That’s why the ball got snapped early and Mike wasn’t ready for the snap.” This type of penalty is seldom enforced due to the difficulties in determining the source of sounds in a noisy stadium.
Penix also shared his perspective on the incident, clarifying that his own clapping signals readiness for the snap. “Whenever I’m clapping, that means I want the ball and [Neuzil] said he heard them clapping and he thought it was my clapping,” he explained. “I thought I was going to be OK with the grounding part, but obviously that wasn’t the case.”
The Falcons had opportunities to secure a win earlier in the quarter but faced setbacks. Parker Romo, the team’s kicker, missed an extra point following an 8-yard touchdown pass from Penix to wide receiver Drake London with 4:44 remaining in the game.
In response to Morris’ allegations, Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams denied any wrongdoing. He suggested that there may have been miscommunications within the Falcons’ offensive line, particularly given that left guard Matthew Bergeron suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter and right guard Chris Lindstrom left the game in the fourth with a foot injury. Their replacements were Kyle Hinton and Jovaughn Gwyn.
“I ain’t hear no clap,” Williams stated firmly. “I’m looking at the ball. The ball moves, I’m gone.”
The controversy surrounding the clapping tactic adds to the narrative of an intensely competitive game, illustrating the high stakes and pressure that accompany NFL matchups. As the Falcons continue to build their season, they will need to address the penalties and execution issues that have plagued them in critical moments.
