1 month after calling Drake Maye-led Patriots “fool’s gold,” Cam Newton changes tune on AFC franchise following 28-24 win over Ravens

Cam Newton is officially walking things back. Just one month after labeling Drake Maye-led New England Patriots as “fool’s gold,” the former MVP admitted Monday that his stance has changed following their gritty 28–24 comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Appearing on ESPN's 'First Take,' Newton conceded that the Patriots’ fourth-quarter rally that erased an 11-point deficit on the road finally passed his eye test. He praised the collective nature of the offense, saying that playmakers have taken turns stepping up rather than relying on one star.

That includes rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who rebounded from a sloppy first half with two turnovers to deliver when it mattered most. Newton acknowledged Maye as the “orchestrator,” even if he stopped short of crowning him.

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This is a stark shift considering Newton’s earlier criticism after New England’s win over the New York Jets, when he argued the Patriots hadn’t beaten anyone of substance and credited much of Maye’s success to Josh McDaniels.

Now, after a signature road win for Mike Vrabel’s squad, Newton sounds far less dismissive and has changed tune on the “fool’s gold” label.

Also read: "Don't keep poking this bear": Cam Newton hits back at Drake Maye while doubling down on "Patriots are fool's gold" remark

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

Stephen A. Smith called Drake Maye "liar" for dissing Cam Newton

Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back after Drake Maye brushed off criticism from Newton last month. The former Panthers quarterback is Smith’s colleague on 'First Take.' When asked about Newton’s "fool's gold" remarks, Maye said he didn’t even know which show Newton appeared on.

That explanation didn’t sit well with Smith. On the next episode of 'First Take' that week, Smith called Maye a liar.

"[Drake Maye] is a liar. … ‘First Take’ is the number one morning show… Don’t tell me you’re an athlete and you don’t know that. Don’t tell me you’re an athlete and you don’t know that Cam Newton is on this show. You lying."

Smith defended Newton emphatically and framed Maye’s response as disingenuous rather than dismissive.

Edited by Prasen