On the first play of the 2nd quarter Cam Newton scrambled up the middle and was about to score a TD until he got the ball knocked out from behind. Fortunately WR Louis Murphy was nearby and he made a spirited\ effort to secure the ball and the TD. Yet it was the reaction of Newton to the Murphy touchdown that got harped on for what seemed 10 minutes.

Here's the GIF that drew the announcer's ire

via assets.sbnation.com

Apparently there is a certain way to respond to such situations and Newton did not follow the script. In case you were wondering, Louis Murphy had this to say:

Panthers’ Hardy hits stride, Bears’ Cutler in 3-sack game | CharlotteObserver.com
"No big deal," he said. "I probably wouldn’t be too happy if I fumbled, either."

While I agree I might react differently myself I can't say his reaction was anything negative either. This just seemed more an attempt to pile on the 'Newton is immature' theme; a non-story.

At the other end of the spectrum it was only a matter of time until Steve Smith 'unloaded' as it's being characterized. Panther fans are obviously used to Smith getting testy during losing streaks. I'm surprised it took six loses but even this outburst seems mild by Smitty standards:

Steve Smith unloads after Panthers lose 23-22 to Bears | CharlotteObserver.com
"It's getting old," Smith said. "There is a tradition growing here and I'm not sure which way this tradition is going."

Though I find his words painful its not unexpected. Smitty then adds some clarification:

Steve Smith unloads after Panthers lose 23-22 to Bears | CharlotteObserver.com
"Not heartbreaking," Smith said. "Tiresome, monotonous, a few guys in here are perturbed and (ticked), but we're beyond heartbreak. We're just getting upset.".

'Beyond heartbreak'...I think that accurately describes how I feel at the moment actually. It's pretty typical frustration for Smitty in my view. If you think that is bad consider this...He might be matched up with Deangelo Hall next Sunday! (Provided Hall doesn't get suspended)

Smith wasn't through though and this last quote just made me laugh:

Even though Jennings now has six interceptions, the Panthers' Smith wasn't heaping praise on him. "I know you want to pump him up. I've been kicking his (butt) every time I've come up here and today was no different. Do you disagree? I didn't think so."

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/10/29/3629460/steve-smith-unloads-after-panthers.html#storylink=cpy

Now that is some classic Smitty too! Just take you win Jennings and let it be.

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