The New England Patriots have dealt with more than their fair share of criticism over the last two decades, and some of the most brutal takes have become too normal since Tom Brady left five years ago. It has prompted analysts and fans alike to declare the six-time Super Bowl Champions to be at the bottom of the totem pole in the NFL, in far more fiery language, and that has continued this season despite their impressive success.
Although it looks like they have done all the right things to lead them to a 9-2 record, with the most apparent of which being Mike Vrabel as the head coach and Drake Maye as the franchise quarterback, not everyone is convinced that the Patriots are the real deal, which unfortunately includes former starter Cam Newton.
Since becoming a co-host on ESPN's "First Take" this year, the ex-quarterback has taken a liking to beating down the Patriots at almost every chance he's been given. That has become particularly apparent in recent weeks, as he referred to New England as "fool's gold" that has only "played scrubs" and will be "one and done" in the playoffs.
While that's just his opinion, he's not alone in his take, and Mike Vrabel was finally asked to respond to the hoopla on Monday morning.
Cam Newton continues to have a lot to say about the Patriots' rise to relevancy in 2025
During his weekly appearance on WEEI, the Patriots' head coach was asked about Newton's recent comments and whether he is bothered by the "fool's gold" comments.
This is nothing new for the team this year, as many doubt their success is legitimate due to their "easy schedule," so unsurprisingly, Vrabel was not at all bothered by Newton's critique.
What does Vrabel make of the Cam Newton "fool's gold" comment? Vrabel reacts #live Vrabel: "I promise you we were okay with anything that anybody says" #football #nfl #patriots pic.twitter.com/d8PLSJX73h
— The Greg Hill Show (@TheGregHillShow) November 17, 2025
If anything, comments like Newton's are only going to fuel what the Patriots are trying to accomplish this season even more, and since he has experience in that locker room, you'd think he'd know that his negativity won't have any bearing on what they will or won't do.
Instead, he knows he's giving them bulletin board material for the last six games of the season. Could that be why he's actually being so harsh?
Based on how long he's been calling the Patriots frauds, it's hard to imagine that he's actually trying to pull off some reverse psychology, so it's highly doubtful. But whatever his reasoning, it's clearly not going to affect the Patriots' success, and they are well on their way to making the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season.
Whether they are one-and-done or they make a deep postseason run is irrelevant. Most analysts and fans believed this season would be a wash. The fact that they have already won more games this year than in the last two years combined is a feat that should be applauded, not beaten down and scrutinized on daily television.