Cam Newton’s frustration with repeated late hits boiled over after Sunday’s game and he used his post game press conference to let the NFL know he’s had enough. Newton even went as far as saying that he doesn’t feel safe playing, after numerous questionable hits that did not result in a penalty.
Cam’s strong words echoed across the NFL, so Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert shared his thoughts on Cam to ESPN.
“Ben gets hit more than anybody in the league, and he never complains. C’mon, man. This is the game of football,” Gilbert said. “If you’re out there and you’re scared to take a shot, then don’t be out there, especially if you’re a running quarterback. [Defenses] are going to take shots at you. Just the way, his style of playing football, how he celebrates, I guess he gives the guys a chip, like let’s go hit the reigning NFL MVP.”
Gilbert went on further pointing out Cam’s celebrations after running plays.
“When he’s running over people, he’s going to stand right up and he’s going to celebrate,” Gilbert said. “This is the game of football. I’m sure there are cornerbacks or linebackers, whoever he’s running over, the safeties, they aren’t complaining about getting run over or getting crowned, facemask to facemask with the quarterback from a guy his size. Of course, guys are going to take shots … I don’t think anybody is trying to purposefully hurt him, but you’re going to get those extra hits, especially against such a great player.”
Physical play is a part of the game and I believe that Cam Newton understands that. What Newton is calling for is simply to be treated like any other QB that gets hit late, and that means a penalty flag should be thrown. Since 2015, Cam has received zero roughing the passer calls, which is an amazing stat after watching what occurred during week 1 against the Broncos.
Gilbert’s assertion that players are taking extra shots because Cam celebrates too much is probably true. However, Newton’s assertion that the referees should penalizes players for late hits is correct as well.