Dennis Green, Brian Billick criticize Cam Newton's 'suggestion box' press conference

Sometimes the pot calls the kettle black. But occasionally it calls the kettle something unprintably profane.

Former NFL coaches and current NFL Network analysts Dennis Green and Brian Billick were the latest to let Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton have it after his "suggestion box" press conference following Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Asked what he would suggest to help Newton's demeanor, Green said Monday on The Coaches Show: "You've got to talk to him. First off say, 'Is that really the way you want to project yourself? Is that the kind of confidence you want the team to have in you?' I mean, that's pretty bad."

Maybe Newton's not who Green thought he was.

Regardless, way to not let Cam off the hook, Denny. If you're gonna criticize him, then criticize his, uh, butt.

(And thanks, coach.)

Billick, a bright guy but one who would periodically take a condescending tone with reporters while he coached the Baltimore Ravens — reference his performance during Super Bowl XXXV week when talking about embattled linebacker Ray Lewis — was unsparing in his critique of Newton.

"This bothered me," said Billick. "I think Cam Newton, for me, came across like a petulant child, pouting that things weren't going his way.

"The problem I'm having with it is, Cam Newton — right now — I think he's not only pouting because they're 1-5, I think he also realizes he's not the prettiest girl in the room anymore. RGIII's kinda taken some of the attention away from him — I don't think he likes that."

Speculatively rich, something Billick didn't always appreciate about scribes he would deem unqualified when he was on the other side of the media fence.

But, hey, it made for good television.

Billick went on to say on Monday night's NFL Total Access: "There needs to be a suggestion put in that box that says, 'Listen more, talk less.'

"He's trying to talk his way through this and that's not what you need to do. The problem I have is in Carolina. I'm not sure where there is that veteran leadership."

Let's hope Newton's asked about the Panthers' playoff prospects after their next loss so Jim Mora can be next to evaluate him.