Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton took several shots to the head during his team’s loss to the Denver Broncos Thursday night, and the NFL is facing a great deal of scrutiny because of it.
Newton was on the receiving end of helmet-to-helmet contact numerous times from Broncos defenders, but only safety Darian Stewart was flagged for it late in the fourth quarter. Despite the ferocity of the hit, Newton was not removed from the game.
Of course, the helmet-to-helmet shot came at a crucial point in the game. After a concussion spotter chose not to force Newton to the sideline, the reigning MVP got the Panthers into field goal range and gave them a chance to win the game. Graham Gano missed the 50-yard attempt badly.
Newton later told reporters that he was asked questions in the concussion protocol after the game and passed. The NFL released a statement on Friday morning explaining that medical personnel and an unaffiliated doctor reviewed the play during the stoppage on the field and saw no signs that Newton was concussed.
NFL statement says that the independent neurotrauma consultant requested & reviewed video of Cam Newton last night pic.twitter.com/swu8ep7c6Z
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) September 9, 2016
Of course, there are more than a few people who believe the NFL would never remove a key player in a late-game situation. Imagine the backlash if Newton had to go to the sideline and the Panthers’ drive stalled, only to later learn he did not suffer a concussion?
Concussion protocol drama aside, there were several more hits on Newton that should have been flagged but weren’t.
The NFL vowed to improve its concussion protocol after an obviously-dazed Case Keenum (video here) was allowed to remain in a game last season. What happened with Newton in Denver was a nightmare scenario for the league.
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