Kelly: Raiders wanted to take out Newton

Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said his defense was trying to knock Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton out of Sunday's game after the Panthers did the same to Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer.

"You take our guy out, we're going to take your guy out,'' Kelly told the Contra Costa Times. "We're not out to hurt someone, but when that happens ... ."

Greg Hardy took Palmer out of the game on a hit where he was penalized for roughing the passer.

There was one play where Kelly retaliated at Newton, who had kicked him in the pile. Kelly was penalized for unnecessary roughness.

"He kicked me, and I ain't fixing to take that off nobody," Kelly said. "What are you going to do when someone kicks you? You going to take it? Nah.''

Raiders coach Dennis Allen didn't sound impressed with that explanation, saying, ""We're trying to change the culture, and what we have to understand is we have to keep our composure in those types of situations because nothing good comes out of it."

Follow me on Twitter @terrymc13

Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com