The NFL’s version of the targeting rule came out in full force in Sunday’s game between the division-rival Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.
Starting for the injured Keanu Neal, second-year Falcons safety Damontae Kazee laid this incredibly dirty hit on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
Kazee is gonna be ejected for this. Late hit, helmet to helmet pic.twitter.com/hxZf3vJvqQ
— social cancer (@SlopingGiraffe) September 16, 2018
There’s nothing good about this at all. Newton had given himself up, at which point Kazee decided to go head first in tackling the former NFL MVP. This is precisely why the league put its current rules into place — to protect the quarterbacks.
Kazee was in fact ejected from the game. It led to some pretty big reactions on the Twitterverse.
Suspension coming in Atlanta. Terrible shot on Cam Newton by Kazee. He should be ejected.
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) September 16, 2018
Big brawl in Atlanta as Kazee just unloaded a vicious hit to the head of Cam.. We could have another ejection
— trey wingo (@wingoz) September 16, 2018
Kazee could also be looking at a suspension. Very bad situation for a depleted Falcons secondary.
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) September 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/billbarnwell/status/1041382918386405376
If they don’t eject Kazee for that hit, then we gotta ask again if Cam gets treated the way every other QB does
— David Steele (@David_C_Steele) September 16, 2018
Kazee's in big trouble. You're going to see some Keith Tandy here shortly
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 16, 2018
Kazee is a game changing loss for Atlanta. Beer guy playing safety now.
— Austin Danger Powers (@WorkDayBaseball) September 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/flyinhoc1/status/1041384961767563264
Kazee needs to be fined half of the money he makes this season. Not a fan. Play smart! Already down two good defenders.
— Patrick MacCoon (@PMacCoon) September 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/Wicked_Wish/status/1041384856398098432