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Report: NFL says Marshall's headshot on Newton should've been flagged

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

After review, the NFL has decided that one of the hits to the head of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in Thursday's season opener should have drawn a penalty, a source confirmed to Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY Sports.

Newton suffered several headshots, but the league has reportedly determined that at least a third-quarter hit to the head by Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall should have warranted a 15-yard penalty.

While Newton took four headshots in the game, NFL senior vice president of officiating Dean Blandino and his staff reviewed the game as part of their standard process and decided that the hit by Marshall was the only missed call.

Broncos safety Darian Stewart was flagged for a hit to the head in the fourth quarter, but had it wiped out by an offsetting penalty. Defensive end Jared Crick and linebacker Von Miller both had hits that made contact with Newton's helmet, but the league determined both were within the confines of the rules.

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