NFL Week 10

There has never been a game like that Denver - Carolina season opener in 2016 when it was open season on Cam's head and the refs called nothing.

 

Cam Newton's cleats for last night's game in Pittsburgh in reference to the shooting at Tree of Life synagogue Oct. 27.

 

I remember that one, but that is also one game out of two careers. Both guys take more than their share of hits that should be called, but aren't. Neither of us has seen enough of both to be sure how that comparison truly stacks up.

 

The only thing that bothered me about Reid's ejection is that once a defender is in the air --- and you can debate whether flying at someone is a proper and safe technique --- he loses a lot of control over how and where he can hit a moving offensive player.

 

That is part of the problem with the current rules. They ask defenders to do things that simply aren't possible. They also lead to tentative action by defensive players. In addition to missed tackles, that can also lead to injuries.

On that particular play, Roethlisberger gave himself up well before Reid got there. Reid shouldn't have left his feet at all. (I probably have to watch it again to be sure I'm right about that.)

 

All pregame shows are crap. It's worth giving halftime two minutes just to catch the odd highlight that might be great.

 

Well then....

 

This was the Falcons' Damontae Kazee, who made a point to crown Newton on a slide in Atlanta earlier this season. Kazee was tossed, but it was a deliberate head shot.

Eric Reid should have been penalized - no doubt about that and neither he nor Ron Rivera are arguing that point - but there you have it.

Newton has been hit more than a pinata on Cinco de Mayo the last few years. Based on the kind of hit that Reid put on Ben Roethlisberger on Thursday night, there should be a list of players tossed for hitting Newton in manners a lot dirtier than anything Reid did.

 

Keep in mind the rules changed for this season, so you are applying a rule that didn't exist to hits over those past seasons.

Newton gets hit more than Roethlisberger because he runs more and because Roethlisberger has played behind an outstanding offensive line in recent seasons. I'm not saying Newton doesn't take illegal hits that aren't called. I'm saying despite what some people seem to think, he isn't unique in that regard. Roethlisberger and others face the same issue.

 

Joe Flacco dealing with hip injury that may require surgery, could shake up Ravens QB depth chart

Joe Flacco has a hip injury that may require surgery. This story offers mostly uncertainty, but there is a chance Lamar Jackson will be starting at quarterback when the Ravens return from their bye next week.

 

God, the Lions suck!!!