New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye found himself in ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith’s crosshairs Thursday after downplaying criticism from former NFL quarterback Cam Newton .

Newton sparked the exchange Monday on “First Take” by calling the Patriots, who are 9-2 this season and one of the surprise teams in the league, “fool’s gold,” citing their soft schedule and predicting they could be one-and-done in the playoffs.

During his appearance Monday on Boston radio station WEEI , Maye was asked if he had heard Newton’s comments, which Maye brushed off, saying Newton was doing his job.

“I don’t even know what show he’s on,” Maye said. “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 ab

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