Overview
- With 2:09 remaining, a premature snap led to an intentional grounding on Michael Penix Jr., flipping 2nd-and-10 near the New England 48 into a punt that ended Atlanta’s late chance.
- Head coach Raheem Morris and Penix said defensive claps triggered the snap, but officials issued no penalty for disconcerting signals and video reviews have not shown Patriots players clapping.
- Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams denied any clapping occurred on the play, disputing the Falcons’ account.
- ESPN’s win-probability model dropped New England to roughly 52.9% after a 25-yard Falcons gain, then jumped to about 80.6% following the 10-yard grounding penalty and loss of down.
- Earlier, kicker John Parker Romo missed a fourth-quarter extra point, and New England closed out its sixth straight win to reach 7-2 as Atlanta fell to 3-5.