Panthers' Olsen implores officials to treat Newton as regular QB

Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen was displeased with numerous helmet-to-helmet blows quarterback Cam Newton absorbed during Thursday's loss to the Denver Broncos.

Newton took several shots to the head, including a late blow from Broncos safety Darian Stewart in the fourth quarter that rendered him slow to get up.

Watch: Newton takes massive helmet-to-helmet shot

Olsen hinted that because of Newton's size, he's officiated unfairly.

"Treat him like a quarterback. I know he's the biggest guy on the field, but he's still a QB," Olsen said to Omar Ruiz of NFL Network.

Newton was excellent in the first half, scoring two touchdowns, the second of which broke Steve Young's record for most career rushing TDs by a quarterback. However, Newton finished just 18-of-34 for 194 yards, adding 54 yards rushing as the Panthers blew a 10-point halftime lead.

Stewart told USA TODAY's Tom Pelissero postgame that he didn't intend to hit Newton in the head, and that he hopes to avoid a potential fine.