NFL Reportedly Says Calais Campbell's Hit on Cam Newton Should Have Been Penalty

A league source informed ESPN's Ed Werder that Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell should have been penalized for an illegal low hit on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton during Sunday's contest between the teams. 

No flag was thrown after Campbell dove toward Newton's legs and twisted him to the ground awkwardly while Newton attempted a pass in the pocket. 

That led Newton to angrily note that he hasn't been given a number of calls throughout his career when he's been illegally hit.

"I don’t think there’s a person that can go through what I go through and still keep their heads," he said after the game, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. "Hits to the head, that’s one thing. But when you’re not protected in the pocket, that’s another thing."

He added: "It’s really taking the fun out of the game for me. At times I don’t even feel safe. And enough is enough."

On Wednesday, Newton said he had a "great conversation" with commissioner Roger Goodell and was able to get his point across, per Max Henson of Panthers.com.

Newton said he understands he is on his own when he is running with regard to special protection, but wants to be protected in the pocket, per Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports. When asked if matters will change and he will feel protected in the pocket, Newton said, "I hope," per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.

Per Werder's report, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera also spoke to Goodell and two other league executives on Monday regarding Newton's concerns. Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman also reportedly spoke to the league office on Monday.

However, the reaction to Newton's comments have been mixed around the NFL. Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert didn't exactly sympathize with Newton. 

"Ben [Roethlisberger] gets hit more than anybody in the league, and he never complains," Gilbert told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. "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."

And the NFL reportedly believes that just three roughing the passer penalties have been missed on hits involving Newton since 2013, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Per that report, 11 quarterbacks have had more roughing calls missed in that time.

Newton, of course, would likely argue that the number cited by the NFL is low, and that quarterbacks, in general, should be better protected when in the pocket. Certainly, a hit like Newton took on Sunday should have been flagged, and is the sort of dangerous play that could have resulted in a leg or knee injury and ended his season. Taken from that perspective, Newton's anger is understandable.

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.