Broncos safety Darian Stewart fined $18K for hit on Cam Newton

A penalty for his hit on Cam Newton last Thursday night was negated by another penalty, but Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart has now been hit with a fine.

The Denver Broncos went right to, and crossed, the line of legality with four helmet-to-helmet hits on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in Week 1. The last of those hits, from safety Darian Stewart, was the only one officially penalized. But it was cancelled out by an intentional grounding penalty, however flimsy that was.

Fines were sure to come once the league reviewed the hits, and Stewart is the first Bronco to be hit in the wallet.

Stewart immediately said he would appeal any fine he got from the league, while adding that he thought he led with his shoulder when making the hit and conveying doubt about Newton running or throwing. While that uncertainty can be expected in some situations, but not necessarily including the one Stewart was in, his post-game comment to Tom Pelissero of USA Today saying “I just took the shot, man” surely resonated loudly in the league office this week.

All things considered, a fine might not be a sufficient deterrent to prevent helmet-to-helmet hits and attempts to injure opposing quarterbacks. The risk of a 15-yard penalty, or a looming fine, might be worth it to knock a player like Newton out of a game or render him less effective. Talk about implementing a targeting rule like college football has, which comes with an immediate ejection, will surely ramp up.

Related Story: Linebacker Brandon Marshall says Denver Broncos aren't dirty

When an offensive player’s target points change in the midst of action, defensive players face a challenge to avoid helmet-to-helmet contact. But leading with the head, or guys launching themselves toward the head of an opposing player, can be changed. That starts at the league level, and upping the penalty for blatant helmet-to-helmet hits is the first step.