Panthers QB Cam Newton yesterday said that he "plans to take his grievance with no-calls on late hits" to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, according to David Newton of ESPN.com. Newton following the Panthers' 30-20 win over the Cardinals yesterday said, "It's really taking the fun out of the game for me -- honestly, it really is. At times, I don't even feel safe. Enough is enough." Cardinals DT Calais Campbell on one play yesterday "came in low as Newton released an incomplete pass." Newton: "I could have torn an ACL. That was the breaking point for me." Newton was "unhappy in general after taking several hits that didn't draw flags" (ESPN.com, 10/30). In Charlotte, Joseph Person notes Newton has taken the most hits of any QB since entering the league in '11. Some of them are because he is a QB who "also runs the football." However, Newton said that some of those are plays that "would be flagged if he were anyone else" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/31). In DC, Mark Maske writes Newton's criticisms are "justified," as "many knowledgeable observers say his size, strength and reputation as an aggressive runner are working against him" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 10/31). NBC's Rodney Harrison said, "It's almost like they treat him like Shaq. He doesn't get any calls or get the benefit of the doubt because he's so big" ("Football Night In America," NBC, 10/30). But Fox’s Howie Long said, “When he takes the ball down and becomes a runner, he loses all the protections afforded to a quarterback. That you can't gripe for" ("The OT," Fox, 10/30). NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Twitter noted Newton has "gotten 9 roughing calls since ’13, more than Brady, Ben, Rodgers" (TWITTER.com, 10/31).
ONE OF THE FACES OF THE LEAGUE: ESPN's Adam Schefter said QBs are the "most important currency that the NFL has," and the league "must do everything they can to protect them." Schefter: "There have been owners that have come out and said at owners meetings, ‘Ratings are tied to quarterbacks’ health and productivity.’ If they want to keep those quarterbacks healthy, they better make sure they are calling those plays that Cam Newton is now complaining about” ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 10/31). Former NFLer Donovan McNabb said, "There's no reason why we should be talking about this particular point for a guy that won MVP last year. It's not like the guy just got in the league. He's the MVP, the face of the NFL. And there's no reason why, we're sitting here talking about this, and it still hasn't changed. It's unbelievable to me." ESPN's Louis Riddick said, "He isn’t being officiated the same way. He isn’t getting the same kind of calls. It cannot be because the guy is built like Superman and because he looks like he can take those kind of hits or because of the way they use him in the greater context of their offense. That’s just not the way it is supposed to be" ("Mike & Mike," ESPN Radio, 10/31).
TOUGH TURF: In K.C., Terez Paylor notes both the Chiefs and Colts yesterday "lost two players to concussions" during their game at Lucas Oil Stadium, begging the question as to whether there is "something up with the FieldTurf surface in Indy?" Chiefs S Eric Berry said, "It's a fast surface, it's a thin surface. It's not the thick turf that you're probably used to seeing." Chiefs LB Tamba Hali added, "This one, you're hitting concrete. So every time your head hits concrete, you're sure to probably get a little bit of a concussion" (K.C. STAR, 10/31). Also in K.C., Sam Mellinger writes it was hard to watch yesterday's game and "not come away thinking about Smith's head, and the series of non-decisions that led to him returning, being put in danger again, and leaving from a second hit to the head." Mellinger: "This is more medical theater than thorough diagnosis. ... The league is failing its players." Mellinger writes if the NFL is "wondering why it's losing so many casual fans, it might look at a system it admits is broken, is avoided by some players and deemed suspicious by others, in no small part because it sometimes means a quarterback we all suspect has a concussion is being allowed to play until taking another hit we all know damn well caused a concussion" (K.C. STAR, 10/31).
BIG LEAGUE HIT: In N.Y., Bob Raissman notes Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick had his helmet "separated from his head" after a hit in yesterday's game against the Browns. CBS' Boomer Esiason said, "That is about as vicious a hit to the head as you are going to take. His play is reflecting it. I’m wondering why he’s on the field. ... It just doesn’t look right." Fitzpatrick would go on to "provide ample evidence he had shaken the cobwebs, looking much sharper in the second half" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 10/31).
