Marcus Gilbert Responds to Cam Newton's Comments Regarding Safety, Late Hits

Cam Newton doesn't "feel safe" in the pocket, but don't expect opposing players to feel sorry for the Carolina Panthers quarterback.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert called out the 2015 MVP, arguing his teammate, Ben Roethlisberger, has faced the same hits but doesn't complain. Gilbert said Monday, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com:

"

Ben gets hit more than anybody in the league, and he never complains. C'mon, man. This is the game of football. 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.

"

He added if the quarterback doesn't like getting hit, "tell the coach or the coordinator to change the whole game plan."

This comes on the heels of Newton complaining about a lack of roughing-the-passer calls from the referees, per NFL on ESPN:

He especially had a problem with low hits that occurred in the Week 8 win over the Arizona Cardinals:

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted Newton has received roughing calls in his favor since 2013, although these flags haven't come around as much in recent seasons. The only call Newton has been granted this season was in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, and that was canceled out by an offsetting penalty for intentional grounding.

Newton has been a running quarterback throughout his career, totaling 38 rushing attempts so far this season after finishing with 132 carries in 2015. He has also been sacked 16 times, which ranks 10th in the NFL despite the fact he has only played six games.

Add these to the extra hits taken after the throw, and it's understandable why Newton is concerned about his well-being.