Cam Newton was predictably peeved by Damontae Kazee's helmet-to-helmet hit in Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Kazee was ejected.
"It was self-explanatory. What needed to happen, happened," the QB said, via Joe Person of The Athletic "This game isn't fit for cheap shots like that."
Keanu Neal's replacement in Atlanta was kicked out in the second-quarter for an unnecessary roughness hit on Newton.
On fourth-and-4, Newton scrambled to pick up the first down. The QB slid in the open field. Kazee came flying in very late and struck Newton in the helmet.
A skirmish ensued. Panthers receiver Torrey Smith was penalized for unnecessary roughness during the scuffle.
Newton was quickly evaluated for a concussion and cleared. He did not miss a snap. The drive ended in a touchdown pass from Newton to Jarius Wright giving the Panthers a 10-3 lead at the time.
The signal-caller showed no ill effects from the hit, throwing for 335 yards and three touchdowns in the loss, but his teammates were predictably upset after the game.
"It was a malicious hit, intended to hurt [Cam]," Wright said.
The Falcons lost Neal in Week 1 to a season-ending ACL injury. Kazee stepped in to replace the safety. Already thin at the safety position, the Falcons turned to Jordan Richards on the back end. The Falcons also have Keith Tandy at safety.
Kazee is subject to fine or potential suspension for the hit. The second-year safety was not fined for a preseason hit on Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Marquise Lee, which resulted in a season-ending injury to the wideout.
