Dunlap: Marcus Gilbert Misread Cam Newton's Message
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - I can't agree with Marcus Gilbert.
It's just a matter of opinion, but I can't agree with Marcus Gilbert.
Seems the Steelers offensive lineman --- an affable, sociable and downright pleasant fellow --- has had enough of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton griping about being a target.
So Gilbert said something.
He said a lot, actually.
Part of what Gilbert told ESPN.com is as follows:
"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."
Interesting stuff.
And it comes in the aftermath of Newton telling reporters after his team's win Sunday that he doesn't "feel safe" and plans to talk to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about all this.
Funny thing is, I think Newton and Gilbert are having two different conversations here; I think Gilbert is commenting on apples while Netwon's original remarks were about oranges.
Maybe I'm the only one seeing it this way, but the level-headed and even-keeled dispatch Newton served up in the postgame media conference was in response to times he felt he was illegally hit while in the pocket or whacked in the head either in or out of the pocket. Newton wasn't griping or grumbling about being protected once he became, in essence, a running back. No, he was imploring the NFL to protect him within the confines of the rules they established --- rules that should apply to him just the same as any other quarterback.
It also doesn't come across to me that Newton is scared of much, but rather, he'd just like some clarification and consistency with rules as he feels too often transgressions committed against him aren't flagged.
I don't think Newton is asking too much here, nor is he in any way out of line.
Gilbert, however, sees Newton as the one who needs to make the change.
"If you don't like it, then tell the coach or the coordinator to change the whole game plan," he also told ESPN.com "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."
So is Newton.
He's an MVP.
He just pushed his team to a Super Bowl appearance.
He's one of the most dynamic players in the game.
He's also not asking for any special dispensation because he has a penchant for running the football.
Cam Newton doesn't want any special rules indigenous only to him.
No, Cam Newton is modestly asking to be protected as a passer and his knees not get wiped out or head bludgeoned by a pursuing defender.
All NFL quarterbacks --- especially when in the pocket --- were to be extended such a right when the league put heavy emphasis on protecting them.
So get this straight: Cam Newton isn't being unreasonable for a desire to have the game called consistently and perhaps wanting an explanation as to why he feels it hasn't been.
On the other hand, Marcus Gilbert isn't being unreasonable for expressing his views. However, it just seems --- to me at least --- he does not understand what Cam Newton is asking for here.
Colin Dunlap is a featured columnist at CBSPittsburgh.com. He can also be heard weekdays from 5:40 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sports Radio 93-7 "The Fan." You can e-mail him at colin.dunlap@cbsradio.com. Check out his bio here.