"They get paid to make remarks": Drake Maye shrugs off Cam Newton's doubt about Patriots' success after easy schedule

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has responded to Cam Newton’s comment on the Patriots’ on-field success this season. Newton had compared the Patriots’ form to “fool’s gold” because of the team’s relatively easy schedule.

Maye responded to the former Carolina Panthers quarterback during an appearance on WEEI on Wednesday. The second-year quarterback said:

“I don’t even know what show he’s on. I think they get paid to make remarks and certain comments. So, I just worry about what people in our organization think, and worry about what we think, and what my teammates think. People are going to have different opinions. I’m just going out there on Sunday and worrying about ourselves.”

Despite Newton’s criticism of the Patriots, he singled out Maye and the offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, for praise. He said:

“Is Drake Maye playing good football? Absolutely. I would like to attest his great play to one specific person that I know too well, Josh McDaniels.”

Before Maye’s response to Newton’s comment on New England’s success, head coach Mike Vrabel had also hit back at the former quarterback. Speaking on the same platform as Maye on Monday, Vrabel said:

“What are we gonna do? Put Cam Newton’s clips up there? We’d rather put our clips or the Bengals’ clips. I don’t think that’s even remotely close to how we should inspire our players to play better.”

The first-year coach continued:

“People could come on the radio, you know? Whatever. It’s just things that get their attention, or are we okay with that? I promise you we were okay with anything that anybody says.”

Drake Maye’s importance to the Patriots’ campaign

The Patriots are 9-2 this season and sit atop the AFC East, with an eight-game winning streak unrivalled in the league. Central to the team’s incredible run is Drake Maye’s presence under center.

The quarterback leads the league in passing yards, with 2,836 yards for 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. Maye has also rushed for an additional 285 yards and two scores on 70 carries. He has since been the subject of chants by fans for the league’s MVP award.

The Patriots’ next game is against the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday at Paycor Stadium. A win for the team will extend its winning streak to nine games. The Bengals, on the other hand, are entering Week 12 at 3-7 while sitting at No. 3 in the AFC North.