Falcons Accuse Patriots of Snap-Count Simulation

The Atlanta Falcons lost 24-23 at New England after an intentional grounding penalty on Michael Penix Jr. ended a late drive and sealed the defeat. Falcons coach Raheem Morris and Penix said Patriots defenders simulated the Falcons’ snap count by clapping, causing center Ryan Neuzil to snap early and Penix to throw into the ground. Patriots players, including Milton Williams, denied any clapping, and television replay did not clearly show defenders clapping, though crowd or off‑camera noise could be a factor. NFL rules treat defensive simulation of a snap count as a 15‑yard “disconcerting signals” penalty, but such calls are rare and difficult to enforce; the play instead pushed Atlanta back and forced a punt. The loss dropped Atlanta to 3-5 while New England improved to 7-2. The Falcons now head to face the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin.