New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is firing on all cylinders this season. Whether he's playing in a game or giving interviews away from the field, Maye can't seem to miss right now.
If you needed an example of that, look no further than Maye's weekly radio appearance on WEEI. During Wednesday's show, Maye was asked about comments made by former Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, who said the team's success was "fool's gold" due to its weak schedule.
Maye's response, "I don't even know what show [Newton is] on."
Maye did actually go more in depth on the situation, saying he's only concerned with whatmembers of the Patriots believe, not people on television, per masslive.com.
"I think they get paid to make remarks and make certain comments. So, I just worry about what people in our organization think, and worry about 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."
Maye's done an excellent job taking care of business each Sunday. Through 11 games, the Patriots are tied for the best record in the NFL at 9-2. In his second season, Maye has emerged as an MVP hopeful. The 23-year-old leads the league in both yardage and completion percentage thus far, and has thrown 20 touchdowns to just five interceptions.
While Newton can't deny Maye is "playing good football," the former Patriots quarterback doesn't believe the team is as good as its record. During an appearance on ESPN's "First Take," Newton called the team's success "fool's gold," saying the Patriots have not played a particularly difficult schedule.
Even Newton's compliment of Maye's play was tinged with skepticism. Newton tried to give more credit to Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and mentioned that the team has played "sorry scrubs" this year.
There's some truth to that last statement, though Newton did phrase it harshly. Since the Patriots finished in last place in the AFC East last season, they are playing other last-place teams this year. New England has taken advantage of a few of those opponents this season, like the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans. But the Patriots have also beaten stronger teams, like the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about the team's easy schedule during an appearance on WEEI in early November. He responded by saying, "I don't make the schedule."
Maye and Vrabel can't control which teams are up next, but they can affect how those games will go. So far, they've both proven up to the task. The Patriots are not only one of the biggest surprise teams in the NFL, but Maye looks like a franchise cornerstone. It's tough to be disappointed in the team this season.
That didn't stop Newton from throwing cold water on the whole thing, though. And while Maye played it off well, it has to hurt to hearliterally his favorite playercriticize the Patriots.
In the end, Newton could be proven right. It's very possible the Patriots make the playoffs and then lose the first game they play. If that happens, it wouldn't diminish everything the team accomplished this season.
Regardless of how the rest of the year plays out, the Patriots have undoubtedly taken a massive step forward. That's something worth celebrating, despite what Newton thinks.
