Ed Barkowitz: Panthers' Newton scolded for sulking on the sideline

The only thing worse than watching Cam Newton throw three picks to the Giants on Thursday night was seeing him sulk on the sideline after being taken out.

The young quarterback needed a kick in the pants, and teammate Steve Smith was wearing the boots.

"I don't want to be passive and not [get angry], because if I don't do it, who will?" Smith said.

"The same way with my son; I can't expect somebody else [to do that]. So, yeah, I lit into him because I thought it was an opportunity for him to see and understand what was going on. This is more than about playing football. It's about becoming a man and understanding what this is."

Newton, in most leagues, would have ended up with negative points if not for his 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Newton did not comment on his exchange with Smith, who might as well have been speaking for fantasy fans everywhere.

"I said, 'Get up and learn from this,' " Smith said. "I watched DA [Derek Anderson] and Jimmy [Clausen] observe from the sidelines the last 20-something games and try to get mental reps. This is an opportunity for you to get some mental reps. Don't just sit on the bench and sulk. I know you feel bad, but that isn't going to help us."

It's the second straight year Newton has been chastised by teammates. Offensive linemen Ryan Kalil and Jordan Gross got in his ear last season for similar behavior. Newton responded by putting up monster numbers.

Hopefully, the same thing occurs in 2012. The Panthers visit Atlanta next week, then host Seattle before their bye in Week 6.

Around the league

Michael Bush is a solid RB2 now that Matt Forte (ankle) has been ruled out for the Bears game against the Rams. His counterpart, St. Louis' Steven Jackson (groin), will be a game-time decision. Jackson should be benched . . . Antonio Gates (ribs) practiced again on Friday and looks to be in good shape for Sunday . . . Speaking of tight ends, the Titans have been torched for five touchdowns by opposing tight ends. New England's Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez had one each in Week 1 and San Diego's Dante Rosario, who filled in for Gates, had three last week. Detroit's Brandon Pettigrew is up next for Tennessee.

Adds and drops

The five most added and dropped players of the week, according to CBSSports.com:

Most added

1. Andre Brown, RB, Giants

2. Donnie Avery, WR, Colts

3. Daryl Richardson, RB, Rams

4. Dennis Pitta, TE, Ravens

5. Brian Hartline, WR, Dolphins

Most dropped

1. Raiders defense/special teams

2. Fred Davis, TE, Redskins

3. Bengals defense/special teams

4. Roy Helu, RB, Redskins

5. Rashad Jennings, RB, Jaguars

Chat me up

Q: Rivers or Flacco this week?

A: I'd go with Rivers. getting Ryan Mathews back should help that offense even more.

Q: Who do you go with this week, Brandon Lloyd or Lance Moore?

A: I'd go with Moore because I'd try to avoid Baltimore. (The Saints host KC).

Look for the fantasy chat with Ed Barkowitz and philly.com producer Matt Mullin each Thursday at noon. For a full transcript of this week's chat, visit philly.com/FantasyChat.