The NFL has had this problem in how the rules inconsistently protect mobile quarterbacks for years, and it is a significant challenge because the size and athleticism of Newton is a game-changer and the Panthers deploy him in a way that subjects his body to punishment when he decides to take off and run with the ball.
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The Denver Broncos overwhelmed the visiting Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football opening game of the NFL, 21-20, at Sports Authority Field.
“So it does hurt, ” Rivera said. It’s kind of like what happened to Shaquille O’Neal. He’s a big physical basketball player and he goes to set a pick and they fall down and they call a foul on him. “We got them off their run tendencies, and when they would pass the ball, (Ware) and the other guys were able to pin their ears back and go”. But if the league truly wants to move toward a safer game, a more drastic change may have to be considered. The coach would like to see Newton, now in his sixth season, get some “veteran favoritism” from the league’s officials.
Team officials said Newton was asked questions four times following the game – locker room, bus ride to the airport, on the plane and back in Charlotte – to make sure there were no side effects from the hits to the head. The game and Thursday in general was a marked improvement from my experience with Super Bowl 50. “Obviously, we got one of them, but we didn’t get many yards off of it”.
The NFL doesn’t disagree with Rivera.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs in for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, in Denver.
The NFL said in a statement Friday that medical personnel, including the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, reviewed video of Darian Stewart’s final-minute hit on Newton. None of the hits, other than Stewart’s, drew a flag.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Anderson took a screen pass 25 yards for the score that cut Carolina’s lead to 17-14.
Stewart said after the game he felt like he led with his shoulder, not his head. The Panthers’ offense clicked for most of the game, and Newton looks to continue building on last year’s MVP performance.
Rivera didn’t see a need for his exit either.
“I was going to drill it, no double in my mind”, said Gano, who was wide left. There is a protocol. Denver coach Gary Kubiak takes pride in the fire and intensity they bring every play defensively.
“We’ve got a heck of a team, a resilient team, I think you saw that tonight”, said Siemian, who finished 18 of 26 for 178 yards with one TD, two interceptions and two sacks. I’m not the doctor, again. “So that makes it tough”. “What are we supposed to do?” said Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, who doled out a couple of egregious hits on Newton. Not that helmet hits should be cause for automatic concussion evaluation – offensive and defensive linemen get banged in the helmet nearly every play.
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The league said the hit did not merit Newton’s removal from the game. Doing so may result in civil and/or criminal penalties. AP material published by LongIsland.com, is done so with explicit permission.
