Cam Newton doesn’t like the way he’s been treated by opposing defensive ends, nor the NFL’s officials. He made that abundantly clear after being hit rather hard by the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Some of those hits seemed very difficult to not call roughing the passer on, and Newton had had enough, calling for a meeting with NFL officials over what he deemed “horsecrap” non-calls seemingly only happening against him.
Naturally, the NFL responded and noted that at least 11 quarterbacks have had more “non-calls” than Newton had. According to the NFL’s report, Newton has only had three missed calls against him and 11 other quarterbacks have had more since he came in to the league.
However, the league also has apparently said a hit by Calais Campbell should’ve been called in Sunday’s game.
As for the reasoning behind Newton’s perceived gripe against NFL officials, Panthers coach Ron Rivera believes size matters.
“He’s a bigger guy for that position, as opposed to some of the smaller guys,” Rivera said Monday. “When they get hit, they roll around to the ground. When he gets hit, he absorbs them and it doesn’t look as bad.
“I think sometimes that might be part of the reason that he doesn’t get the calls he deserves or should get.’‘
The good news is that Newton and Goodell appear to have an open line of communication about his situation.
Will that result in changes that Newton would like to see, or will the game continue to be no fun for the Panthers’ quarterback anymore?
Given the increase in sensitivity to head trauma in the league, it would be wise for Goodell to address the specific issue of Newton “not feeling safe anymore” while he is on the field. However, the real choice here is Newton’s because no one is forcing him to play the game.
Can he get over not getting some of the same calls other quarterbacks are getting or will he end up calling it quits for safety’s sake?
Probably the former.
[ESPN]
