The best way to help protect NFL quarterbacks are more sets of eyes, former NFL official Gerry Austin believes.
Discussing the numerous questionable hits on Panthers QB Cam Newton, Austin said the NFL needs an eighth official assigned to each game with the singular purpose of watching the passer.
DIAMOND: Cam's egotistical act is getting old
"A referee needs to have only one player to watch once the snap occurs, and that’s the quarterback," Austin said, via ESPN.com. “I think that will help with seeing the play better if that’s where his full attention is. If they have that eighth official where he’s 18 to 20 yards deep, he can help the umpire with the line play and the referee won’t have to pick up a tackle."
Newton took a pair of illegal hits against the Cardinals two weeks ago and another two borderline hits last week against the Rams.
Though Newton is in the center of the discussion, Austin said he's not getting unfair treatment, and the problems facing the reigning MVP stem from his mobility.
"Every official goes out to a game to officiate it the best that he can," Austin said. “Before the season starts, what’s the goal of every player, every team, every official? I want to be in the Super Bowl. To do that that means they have to grade out in the top three or four at their position. In order to do that you have to get the calls right."
WEEK 10 PICKS: Straight up | Against the spread
Newton and Panthers coach Ron Rivera have spoken to commissioner Roger Goodell about the abuse Newton has faced.
The Panthers host the Chiefs in Week 10.