NFL hits Falcons defender with news he didn't want to hear ahead of their Week 15 Monday Night Football matchup vs. the Raiders

The Atlanta Falcons were tied after three quarters in their Week 14 matchup with the 11-2 Minnesota Vikings. But an absolute collapse in the fourth quarter saw them not only go scoreless to end the game but give up 21 points in a 42-21 loss.The team's terrible performance in the fourth already leaves the 6-7 Falcons […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Dec 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris reacts on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons were tied after three quarters in their Week 14 matchup with the 11-2 Minnesota Vikings. 

But an absolute collapse in the fourth quarter saw them not only go scoreless to end the game but give up 21 points in a 42-21 loss.

The team's terrible performance in the fourth already leaves the 6-7 Falcons angry heading into Week 15, but the NFL went ahead and made things worse for one Atlanta defender.

NFL fines Falcons Lorenzo Carter for an illegal act in Week 14

Sep 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lorenzo Carter (0) celebrates after a defensive stop against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The NFL fined Falcons edge rusher Lorenzo Carter $11,255.00 for a facemask penalty in the fourth quarter, which the league deemed to be "Unnecessary Roughness." Carter's fine was one of 23 fines handed out by the NFL for the Week 14 slate and was tied for the sixth cheapest fine. 

NFL referees have struggled with facemask penalties throughout the season. But they got this one right, with Carter clearly grabbing the facemask on a tackle attempt near the end of the fourth quarter. 

While Carter was certainly trying to make the tackle, you have to wonder if the frustration of the team's poor play in the fourth quarter played a factor on the play. The Falcons and Carter will have to shake the fine and the loss off as they are back in action in Week 15. The Falcons are traveling to Nevada to take on the Las Vegas Raiders. And with the Falcons a full two games back of the final NFC wildcard spot, they truly can't afford another loss down the stretch. 

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