CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has changed his stance on how he views concussions now that hes had one.Newton, who just last month downplayed concerns over the long-term effects of repeated blows to the head, said Wednesday that he now better understands that concussions are real.Speaking publicly for the first time about the concussion he sustained Oct. 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, the leagues reigning MVP said he needs to be more careful in the future, calling the hit preventable. In the fourth quarter with the Panthers down two scores Newton purposely -- and inexplicably -- appeared to slow down as he approached the end zone on a 2-point conversion run.That allowed Falcons linebacker Deion Jones to hit Newton from the side. Newton said he never saw Jones coming.Newton doesnt remember reaching out the ball to score anyway, saying thats when I knew I was messed up.He left the game and did not return.He sat out the following week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well with concussion-related symptoms.After watching the play on film Newton said, I was like, `just run through the (dang) end zone, Cam.While Newton said he intends to be more careful to eliminate unnecessary hits, he doesnt see his first career concussion changing the way he plays the game.I look at certain quarterbacks throughout the league and say, `Dang, I wish I could do that. Man, I wish I could win football games and make it look so cool like Tom Brady. Man, I wish I had the throwing accuracy or throwing style like a Matt Stafford or Aaron Rodgers, said Newton, who has run for more touchdowns than QB in league history. But my edge is running the football inside the tackle. If somebody tries to take that away from me, for what it is, thats me. Thats going forever be my edge in this league.The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Newton only ran the ball twice in Carolinas 41-38 loss to the New Orleans on Oct. 16 -- his first game back from the concussion. But he said that wont necessarily be the game plan when the Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.I know everybody was watching and saying `Well, how many times is Cam going to run? Thats me. Thats who I am. I would prefer to be involved in the game, Newton said.Newton said his ability to run makes defense prepare for extra things.So when you take that away, then the defense is like, `Yes! We dont have to prepare for a (running) quarterback, Newton said. So Im trying to find any and every way to create edges for us.In the past, Newton has downplayed concerns about concussions.After the sixth-year quarterback took four helmet-to-helmet hits in a season-opening loss to the Denver Broncos, Newton said at a press conference he wasnt worried about the long-term effects of cumulative hits to the head.Im not here to worry about retirement plans, Newton said on Sept. 14. Im not here to worry about pensions. Im not here to worry about workers (compensation). Im here to win football games, simple and plain.Newton is thinking differently now.He said he can relate to what Panthers offensive tackle Michael Oher is going through. Oher is expected to miss his fourth straight game on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals because of a concussion.Newton said he is even considering doing something to help educate younger football players and coaches about the dangers of concussions through his work with his foundation.At (the NFL) level, they are focusing on it, Newton said. But in Pee Wee ball, or high school football, that is what turns my stomach because they are being taught by some people who dont really know football.Newton said one thing is for sure -- he doesnt want another concussion.I aint never had that feeling (before), Newton said. I dont want it to happen to me or nobody else.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Jonah Williams Bengals Jersey . LOUIS -- Heading into the final stretch of the season, the issues for the Chicago Bears banged-up defence only seem to be getting worse. Renell Wren Youth Jersey . On Saturday night, the normally free throw-challenged centre did just that. Howard scored 18 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, including 13 of 19 free throws in a 2 1/2-minute stretch, and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 122-111. http://www.bengalsrookiestore.com/Bengals-Anthony-Munoz-Jersey/ . -- Charlie Graham stopped 67 shots as the Belleville Bulls edged the visiting Guelph Storm 6-5 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Ryan Finley Bengals Jersey . Collaros, 25, was solid last season, posting a 5-2 record as the starter while incumbent Ricky Ray was injured. Collaros also started Torontos 23-20 regular-season finale loss to Montreal — Ray didnt dress because the Argos had already clinched first in the East Division — but was one of three quarterbacks to play that day. A.J. Green Youth Jersey . -- Ryan Getzlaf grabbed the three pucks wrapped in tape and held them up to his chest in the Anaheim Ducks dressing room for a celebration nine seasons in the making. Bragging rights will firmly be on the line if Port Adelaides Charlie Dixon can prove his fitness for Saturdays AFL clash with his old club Gold Coast.Dixon must pass a fitness test on his injured ankle to take part in the round 23 clash at Metricon Stadium - the first time the Suns have faced the Power since the forward left Queensland for South Australia at the end of last year.One Suns star desperate to face his old teammate is defender Steven May.While neither team can make the finals this year, May is relishing the chance to get one over Dixon.Id prefer for him to play, to be honest, thatd be a lot of fun, May said.Ive never played on him in an actual game, itll be interesting.May said the pair had enjoyed willing battles during intra-club matches while Dixon was at thee Suns, but said neither could gloat over the other until theyd faced off in an AFL match.ddddddddddddI dont know about the score, probably he would say its in his favour, but it doesnt mean anything until its in a real game, he said.Saturdays match is a milestone one for Matt Shaw - wholl become the fourth Sun to reach 100 AFL matches for the club.The winger said it was a thrill to reach the century, but after disappointing losses to Essendon and Collingwood in the past two weeks, all he is chasing from the game is a much-improved display.The last two games we havent shown what we can do as a team, Shaw said.We want to end the year with a win. 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