In the closing minutes at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots’ defense delivered when it mattered most. Holding on to a narrow one-point lead, they forced a pivotal mistake that sealed the game’s outcome.
The Atlanta Falcons were driving at midfield with just over two minutes left when chaos unfolded. A mistimed snap and an errant throw suddenly shifted momentum back in New England’s favor at the perfect moment.
Bursting through the offensive line, defensive lineman Milton Williams exploded off the ball as the snap appeared to come early, pressuring quarterback Michael Penix into a hurried decision he’d soon regret.
“I think their communication might’ve been off,” Williams said after the game. “I’m down, ready to go, so when he snaps it, I’m gone. I knew it was a big moment for us.”
Officials ruled the play as intentional grounding, pushing Atlanta ten yards back and setting up a near-impossible third-and-20. The Falcons’ ensuing pass fell incomplete, effectively handing the Patriots possession and control.
After the loss, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris claimed that New England had used simulated clapping to trick the snap count, suggesting that misdirection caused the early snap to catch Penix off guard.
“They were clapping. Simulated our snap, got us to snap the ball,” Morris said. “Nice job by those guys. Great situational football. That’s why the ball came early on Mike.”
When told of those accusations, Williams shrugged off the notion. “Who was clapping? Did it look like I was clapping?” he said. “I’m looking at the ball. The ball moves, I’m gone.”
