The New England Patriots are one win away from punching their ticket to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2019. But with the AFC Championship Game looming on Sunday, the noise is getting louder — and it’s coming from a familiar face.
Former NFL MVP and ex-Patriots quarterback Cam Newton is unloading on his former team. He has reignited a public feud that has simmered throughout the season, adding serious fuel to an already fiery matchup.
Newton has specifically called the Patriots’ path to the Super Bowl into question. He openly challenged the legitimacy of their run and the level of competition they have faced along the way. On his podcast “4th & 1,” the former quarterback had nothing but criticism for New England, explicitly emphasizing: “The New England Patriots had the easiest path to the Super Bowl in NFL history.”
Cam Newton Calls Out the Soft Road
That statement lands. But Newton, who already heavily criticized franchise quarterback Drake Maye during the regular season, points to the opponents the Patriots have faced on their path to the Super Bowl to justify his claim.
First, the Patriots faced the Los Angeles Chargers, who took the field with an offensive line riddled with injuries. But quarterback Justin Herbert also took his share of criticism: “Justin Herbert is not the player we thought he was.”
That the New England Patriots had to face the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round — a team with one of the best defenses in the league — only counts partially in Newton’s analysis.
While top wide receiver Nico Collins was forced to warm the bench due to injury, quarterback C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions. Newton’s verdict: “That was not the best version of that team.”
Cam Newton Wants to See Greatness in All Three Phases
GettyCam Newton wants to see more than just a good Patriots defense.
Now the Patriots face another questionable opponent — the Denver Broncos, who will start backup Jarrett Stidham. This season, Stidham has been on the field for only four plays — and in October against Dallas, he didn’t throw a single pass. His last pass? Stidham’s most recent throw came on January 7, 2024 — more than two years ago — and it ended in an interception.
“You’re playing against a second-string quarterback. Their opponents were simply weakened,” Newton said on his podcast. His criticism is backed up by the statistics. The Patriots had the easiest schedule in the league during the regular season — widely labeled a “cupcake schedule.” New England dominated against non-playoff teams, but only managed a .500 record against playoff opponents. Still, the Patriots won 14 of 17 games and remained undefeated on the road.
And yet Newton goes so far as to call the Patriots’ success “fool’s gold.”
“Defensively, they look good, but I want to see greatness across all three phases — and I haven’t seen that yet,” he added, continuing his jab.
The Patriots must prove their run is legit — even against a backup QB. The debate is on — and in New England, people will be listening very closely.
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton Reignites His Criticism of the Patriots