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In August 2017, the New England Patriots became the first NFL team to buy its own planes.

The New England Patriots will have at least one international game on the schedule this season. The Athletic’s Chad Graff confirmed a report that the Patriots will take on the Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany this upcoming season.

This is just one of several leaks that have occurred throughout the past couple of days. The Patriots are rumored to be playing the Seattle Seahawks in the season opener this year. Now, it looks like the team will head across the pond to face the Lions.

Patriots Have Overseas History

The Patriots most recently played overseas in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They lost 32-16 in what was quarterback Drake Maye’s second career start. It marked the Patriots’ second loss in a row on international soil.

Their first loss internationally came against the Indianapolis Colts, as they lost by a 10-6 margin. It was also the last time the Patriots played in Germany, and a game that they would like to forget. This was the lowest-scoring game in international history, in what was a difficult day for both offenses.

This game also held a bit of turmoil for the Patriots. The team struggled offensively, and quarterback Mac Jones was a major reason for that. He went 15-of-20 on the day, throwing for 170 yards and an interception. Even still, the Patriots remained in the game for most of the morning.

With 4:24 remaining in the game, the Patriots were down 10-6 and had a chance to take the lead. The team marched all the way down the field and looks to be in a position to score. Jones threw a pass off his back foot, and it fell into the arms of Colts safety Julian Blackmon. Tight end Mike Gesicki was waiting in the end zone, but to no avail. Jones’ benching led to Bailey Zappe starting in what was a difficult year for the Patriots overall.

Patriots Opponents Have International Experience

The Lions have played internationally twice. They did so in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The 2014 game saw them defeat the Atlanta Falcons by a 22-21 score. Matt Prater was able to kick a game-winning 48-yard field goal. However, the 2015 game was not as kind to them. They lost to the Kansas City Chiefs by a 45-10 margin.

Overall, they have a 1-1 record in international play.

The Patriots hold an 8-5 advantage all-time over the Lions. They last met in 2022, where the Patriots won 29-0. It marked the first start for quarterback Bailey Zappe.

The Lions also have the distinction of being the first team that Tom Brady ever played against. He came into the game in the fourth quarter and went 1-for-3 for nine yards. The Lions rolled in that contest by a 34-9 margin.

This game should be an exciting contest, coming at a time when both teams have a chance to be in the thick of a playoff race. One has to wonder what the records for both teams will look like by this time, and if the game will indeed have big implications for both franchises. Either way, it should be a fun game