Falcons say Patriots simulated snap count before late intentional grounding penalty

The Atlanta Falcons faced a setback in their game against the New England Patriots due to an intentional grounding penalty on quarterback Michael Penix. Trailing 24-23 with 3:30 remaining, the Falcons were forced to punt after the penalty occurred on a second-and-10 play near midfield. Penix received an early snap and threw the ball short of the line of scrimmage, which led to the penalty. He later explained that he intended to throw near tight end Kyle Pitts and claimed that center Ryan Neuzil mistook a simulated snap count by the Patriots as Penix’s signal to snap the ball.

Head coach Raheem Morris supported Penix’s account, stating that the Patriots effectively simulated the snap count, leading to the early snap and resulting penalty. NFL defenses that simulate snap counts can incur a 15-yard penalty for "disconcerting signals," although these infractions can be challenging to identify in loud stadium environments. The incident played a crucial role in the Falcons' inability