Overview
- Atlanta’s late drive unraveled with 2:09 remaining when an early snap led to an intentional grounding penalty, and New England held on for a 24-23 win.
- Coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. said center Ryan Neuzil heard clapping he mistook for Penix’s signal to snap.
- Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams denied any clapping by New England defenders, saying he reacted only to the ball moving.
- Media reviews of broadcast angles did not clearly show Patriots players clapping at the line of scrimmage before the snap.
- Simulating a snap is a 15-yard disconcerting signals foul by rule, but no flag or league action has been reported, and Atlanta also cited a missed extra point and injuries on the offensive line as factors.