FOXBORO — Head coach Mike Vrabel jokingly dubbed the latest Patriots controversy as “clapgate,” but this one doesn’t have legs like the team’s previous -gates.

Morris said the Patriots’ defense was clapping before a key play on second-and-10 with 2:09 left in regulation.

“They were clapping and simulated our snap,” Morris said. “That’s why the ball got snapped early and Mike (Penix) wasn’t ready for the snap.”

Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams got a free rush and forced Penix to throw the ball away after it was snapped early. Trailing 24-23 at the time, the Falcons quarterback was flagged for intentional grounding. The Falcons punted two plays later, and the Patriots were able to put the game away.

“Nice job by those guys. Great situational football. Great play. Got us to snap

See Full Page