How Cam Newton Explained His Constant Patriots, Drake Maye Criticism

Cam Newton hasn’t stopped questioning the New England Patriots throughout their Super Bowl run.

The former MVP quarterback called his old team’s success “fool’s gold” in November when predicting an early playoff exit. On their way to an AFC title, Newton likened Drake Maye’s postseason performance to game managers such as Brad Johnson, Rex Grossman, Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon.

Newton defended his comments during a Radio Row interview with WEEI on Friday as the Patriots prepare for Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks.

“Experience will tell you that I know a little bit about the game of football,” Newton said. “And what happens is, honesty offends people, and I’m not trying to be liked.”

Newton insisted he holds no grudges against the Patriots, where he spent his penultimate NFL season in 2020.

“It’s never to diminish,” Newton said of his criticism. “It’s to give you left-side-of-the-brain thought processes of where most people aren’t talking about … Oftentimes it’s not the message, it’s the messenger. And needless to say, what some may deem as hate, bitterness or ignorance, it’s the complete opposite. It’s well thought out.”

Lke most Patriots critics, Newton pointed to a favorable schedule that includes games against several teams that have changed head coaches this offseason. Each of their three playoff opponents suffered significant injuries to their offenses after New England concluded the regular season with wins over the hapless New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.

“Could you honestly say that the New England Patriots, in the last five games, played those five games versus teams at their best?” Newton asked.

The 36-year-old admitted that he evoked names like Grossman and Dilfer “just to grab your attention.” He repeated that the Patriots have won their postseason games because of their defense despite Maye playing “nothing less than incredible” during the regular season.

“When I think about the New England Patriots, I look at them as a team that’s exceeded expectations,” Newton said. “And knowing that we are in a position now where, it may look like heavy critique for a specific team. That’s not my intention. My intention is coming from a sports fan that loves football that wants to give fans other ways of thinking.”