NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday spoke to Panthers QB Cam Newton about his "concerns regarding the lack of late-hit penalties," according to sources cited by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The development "comes two days after Newton expressed concerns over his safety" after he sustained a low hit from Cardinals DE Calais Campbell during Sunday's game. Campbell "was not penalized on the hit" (NFL.com, 11/1). ESPN.com's Ed Werder cited sources as saying that Panthers coach Ron Rivera on Monday also "spoke to Goodell" (ESPN.com, 11/1). THE MMQB's Peter King writes the NFL "doesn’t want to get into a war with its reigning MVP." But on the same day Newton "followed through with a vow to speak" to Goodell about what he "contends is a lack of protection for him from game officials, the current and former NFL officiating czars made it clear they don’t think he has a case." NFL Senior VP/Officiating Dean Blandino, appearing on King's podcast, said, "He is not being officiated any differently than any other quarterback." King: "There’s nothing wrong with Newton calling attention if he feels that officials aren’t treating him fairly." However, it is "not likely Newton will be satisfied with the league’s reaction and justification of its calls" (MMQB.SI.com, 11/2). The Washington Post's Mark Maske tweeted, "Quibble if you want about how he made it. But Cam Newton has a point." Deadspin's official feed: "Newton is right to be pissed."
PROTECT & SERVE: ESPN's Michael Wilbon said the culture of the Panthers "seems to be predicated on a lot of whining." But ESPN's Tony Kornheiser said larger QBs in the league, like Newton and the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger, "have to be protected," similar to how smaller QBs like the Seahawks' Russell Wilson and Saints' Drew Brees "have to be protected" ("PTI," ESPN, 11/1). NFL Net's Rapoport also noted there has been "no word" if a conversation has taken place between Blandino and Newton. But the NFL now has a "heightened sense" based off of Newton's comments, and there will be "increased eyeballs at anyone who might hit him" in upcoming games ("NFL Total Access," NFL Network, 11/1). NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala: "Newton complains abt way he's hit. Ask Ben Roethlisberger why he prides himself on way HE absorbs hits. Says 'It's the way I was raised.'"
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE LATELY: SI’s Will Leitch notes this season was “supposed to be" Newton's year, but it has “not turned out that way.” This is the “prime of his playing life, a defending MVP ready to ascend to his place among the best quarterbacks in recent history, and he’s 2-5.” Media pundits have spent "more time" talking about Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick and Vikings QB Sam Bradford than Newton. When he is talked about, it is "about the refs more than his play.” Leitch: “We’re always eager to anoint a new superstar, a new hero. But NFL fans are a lot like NFL executives: If a player doesn’t produce, they move on.” It felt last season "as if no one would ever stop talking about” Newton. Leitch: “This year, we stopped” (SI, 11/7 issue).
