Fans and analysts across the NFL were excited to see what was in store for the Atlanta Falcons during the 2024 season.
With the addition of Kirk Cousins in mind, this team was slated to take a big step forward, especially on offense.
They did struggle in their first game of the season, but Cousins turned it around in Week 2, helping the Falcons take down the Philadelphia Eagles.
While they ultimately won the game, Bill Belichick was critical of some of the team’s penalties, including Ray-Ray McCloud’s personal foul.
As Belichick mentioned on the ManningCast, “I hope McCloud feels good about that, because I don’t think anyone else on Atlanta does.”
Bill Belichick 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 hold back on his feelings about the Falcons penalties pic.twitter.com/IfE4jwI9YD
— Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) September 17, 2024
He believes there is no place for an action like that, especially since McCloud punched a member of the Eagles in the helmet.
Not only did this punch have the potential to injure McCloud’s hand, but it showcased immaturity from the veteran as well.
McCloud knows better than this, but his emotions got the best of him.
He reacted poorly in the heat of the moment, and the Falcons were penalized accordingly.
While McCloud might not get fined for this penalty, he has hopefully learned his lesson and will not do this again.
Teams cannot afford for their players to get penalized on 15-yard plays like this, especially during close games that they desperately need to win.
His actions didn’t cost them the game, this time.
It will be interesting to see if the Falcons play McCloud less moving forward, knowing he could have another outburst like this in the future.
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