Mike Vrabel Denies Patriots Simulated Snap Count: “We Never Coached That”
In a recent NFL match, tension arose following a claim from Falcons coach Raheem Morris. He alleged the New England Patriots confused his offensive linemen by simulating the snap count with clapping from their defensive linemen.
Mike Vrabel Responds to Accusations
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed these allegations on Monday. He categorically denied that any Patriots player was instructed to simulate the snap count. “That was certainly not anybody’s intent,” Vrabel stated. “We’ve never coached that or talked about it.”
Focus on Game Dynamics
Vrabel emphasized the loud atmosphere during the game, noting that players were focused on getting lined up. He advised against dwelling on the issue, saying, “I can’t spend that much time focused on it.” The confusion stemmed from a key moment when the ball was snapped prematurely, which led to an intentional grounding penalty against the Falcons.
Officials’ Perspective
The game officials did not identify any wrongdoing on the part of the Patriots. If there had been any intentional simulation of the snap count, the officials would have flagged the Patriots for it. However, the only penalty noted was the critical grounding call against the Falcons.
Conclusion: Contrasting Views
- Morris believes the Patriots used illegal tactics to gain an advantage.
- Vrabel maintains that the Patriots played within the rules and no infractions occurred.
- The loud stadium environment contributed to the confusion during key plays.
This exchange highlights the competitive and sometimes contentious nature of NFL matchups as teams seek to gain any advantage on the field.
