Steelers lineman calls out Cam Newton for complaining about getting hit
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton shouldn’t be talking to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell over the fact he doesn’t “feel safe” on the field.
Instead, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert said Newton should have a conversation with his own coaching staff.
"If you don't like it, then tell the coach or the coordinator to change the whole game plan," Gilbert told ESPN. "Try to do something to protect you, because back a couple of years ago, when Ben (Roethlisberger) was getting hit a lot, we had to change our offense a little bit, put in a little extra protection to help him stay upright because he is the franchise player."
Newton made the comments after the Panthers beat the Arizona Cardinals 30-20 on Sunday. The reigning NFL Most Valuable Player told reporters he planned to file a grievance over the shots he’s taken on the field.
"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."
Roethlisberger, who has been sacked 450 times in his career, is currently rehabbing a knee injury.