Falcons Coach Morris Fumes Over Missed Penalty in Narrow Loss to Patriots
The Atlanta Falcons faced a gut-wrenching defeat against the New England Patriots, falling 24-23 in a game marred by controversy. A missed extra point and a contentious no-call regarding a simulated snap have left head coach Raheem Morris and his team grappling with what might have been.
The Missed Opportunity
In the closing moments of the game, the Falcons had a golden chance to seize the lead. Following a missed extra point by kicker Parker Romo, the Falcons’ defense held the Patriots to a three-and-out, allowing Atlanta to regain possession with three and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter. They advanced the ball to midfield but were soon derailed by a crucial miscommunication.
On second down, center Ryan Neuzil snapped the ball prematurely while quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was still getting set. Under pressure from the Patriots’ defense, Penix threw the ball into the ground, resulting in an intentional grounding penalty that set the Falcons back 10 yards and left them facing a daunting third-and-20 situation. The ensuing play fell short, forcing Atlanta to punt and effectively ending their hopes for a comeback.
Morris Points to a Missed Penalty
Morris did not hold back in his criticism of the officiating, asserting that the Patriots had illegally simulated the Falcons’ snap count, leading to the chaotic play. “They did a nice job. They simulated a snap. The ball came early, was snapped early,” he explained. “Within that snap, that was when we got the intentional grounding. Nice job by those guys. Great situational football. Great play. They were clapping and simulated our snap. Got to snap the ball. That’s why the ball was snapped early on Mike when he wasn’t ready for the snap.”
The NFL’s rulebook clearly states that any defense mimicking an offense’s signals can incur a 15-yard penalty for “disconcerting signals.” This rule was at the forefront of Morris’ mind as he lamented the missed call.
Penix Confirms the Confusion
Penix echoed his coach’s sentiments after the game, stating that Neuzil had misinterpreted the Patriots’ clapping as his own signal. “Neuz said he heard them clap, and he thought it was my clap,” Penix remarked. “And he snapped the ball.”
However, the Patriots were quick to deny any wrongdoing. Defensive lineman Milton Williams responded to the allegations, stating, “I ain’t hear no clap. I’m looking at the ball. The ball moves, I’m gone.”
Season on the Line
The fallout from this narrow loss is significant for the Falcons. Now riding a three-game losing streak, their season is in jeopardy as they prepare to face the 7-2 Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, marking the franchise’s first-ever game in Germany. As they navigate this challenging stretch, the Falcons must rally to regain their footing and capitalize on future opportunities.
