National Football League

Panthers backup QB admits Cam Newton may have been able to avoid goal line hit

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:04 p.m. ET

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Cameron DaSilva

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers suffered their third loss of the season at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The defeat dropped their record to a disappointing 1-3, and to make matters worse, Newton is in the league’s concussion protocol.

Newton suffered the concussion in the fourth quarter on a two-point conversion attempt. With the Panthers trailing 34-16, Newton ran to his left and strolled into the end zone casually to successfully convert the two-point try. At the goal line, though, Newton was hit high by Falcons linebacker Deion Jones.

It appeared as though Newton could have avoided the hit by running hard into the end zone, but he pulled up and almost walked across the goal line. Jones wasn’t penalized for the hit, but it landed Newton in the concussion protocol.

The play was reminiscent of a shot he took last season on the goal line where he acknowledged it wouldn't happen again.

After seeing Newton carelessly take an unnecessary hit, it further strengthened the narrative that he needs to protect himself better outside the pocket. There’s no question Newton is one of the most physically imposing players in the NFL, but he’s also the centerpiece of a franchise – and a star in the league.

Newton has never been one to shy from contact, and it’s shocking that he’s never suffered a documented concussion in the NFL until now. And not to pour salt in the wound, but it was a hit that he probably could have dodged.

“I think we all saw it,” backup quarterback Derek Anderson said. “Maybe he could have avoided it, but I don’t think he saw the guy, so that’s neither here nor there.”

With Newton in concussion protocol, his status for the team’s upcoming game against the Buccaneers has been brought into question.

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