The New England Patriots are 9-2 and sitting atop the AFC East through Week 11 of the NFL season, but their resurgence hasn’t come without critics. Former Carolina Panthers and Patriots quarterback Cam Newton sparked headlines after delivering sharp criticism on ESPN’s First Take, questioning whether New England’s success is as real as it appears. Newton labeled the team’s run “fool’s gold” and argued their schedule was padded with “sorry scrubs,” predicting a one-and-done playoff exit.

In an article by Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick, he noted that Newton told Stephen A. Smith the Patriots’ success was more a product of their weak schedule than the play of Drake Maye or the Patriots’ offense, suggesting their strong record was inflated by wins over lesser opponents.

“The thi

See Full Page