Steelers tackle takes aim at Cam Newton: 'Don't be out there if you're scared'
One day after Cam Newton said he “doesn’t feel safe” on the football field, Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert fired back at the Panthers quarterback Monday, saying Newton shouldn’t complain about cheap shots.
"Ben [Roethlisberger] gets hit more than anybody in the league, and he never complains. C'mon, man. This is the game of football," Gilbert said, via ESPN. "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."
The source of Newton’s frustration stems from a low hit by Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell. The officials didn’t throw a flag on the play, prompting Newton to say “enough is enough” and that he will take his case to Goodell.
“It’s really taking the fun out of the game for me,” Newton said. “At times I don't even feel safe. And enough is enough. I plan on talking to commissioner (Roger) Goodell about this. And I don't know what I have to do.”
Gilbert is of the opinion that quarterbacks like Newton and Roethlisberger have the size and strength to dole out punishment to defensive players and are so great that they will be the focus of opposing defenses.
"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."
