Overview
- With 2:09 left and the ball at New England’s 48, an early snap led to Michael Penix Jr. being flagged for intentional grounding, costing Atlanta 10 yards and a down.
- Raheem Morris and Penix said clapping from the Patriots mimicked the Falcons’ snap cue, which center Ryan Neuzil mistook as the signal to snap.
- Patriots lineman Milton Williams and coach Mike Vrabel denied any simulation, with Vrabel dubbing the flap “Clapgate” during a WEEI appearance.
- Broadcast views showed no clapping among defenders near the line, while All-22 suggested safety Jaylinn Hawkins, positioned roughly 12–13 yards deep, appeared to clap while signaling a teammate.
- No penalty was called, the Patriots won 24-23, and multiple reports indicate the league will likely examine the sequence under its disconcerting-signals provision.