Two questionable hits on Cam Newton deemed legal, source says

The NFL's preliminary review of two questionable hits by Los Angeles Rams defenders on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton have determined that neither was clearly a violation of league rules, according to a league source.

The hit by Mark Barron appeared closer to a foul than another delivered by defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Both plays involved Newton being hit in the helmet.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera had submitted one of the plays for review of NFL VP of officiating Dean Blandino for review. He would not say which he contested.

The hits came in the Panthers' first game since Newton spoke directly to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about feeling unsafe because officials were not penalizing defenders who, in his opinion, illegally made contact with him while he was in the pocket.