Patriots’ first 5 international games, revisited before Lions matchup

In a span of four years, the New England Patriots have ventured abroad for their first five international games. This time, they face off against the Detroit Lions at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. This will mark their second visit to Germany and their sixth international regular season game overall. Their record in these games stands at 3-2, despite coming off two straight losses outside the United States.

The Patriots made their first international appearance in 2009 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London. They won 35-7, thanks to a standout defensive performance, including three interceptions led by Brandon Meriweather, including a pick-six. Three years later, in 2012, they faced the St. Louis Rams in London and won 45-7, with Tom Brady throwing four touchdown passes and Rob Gronkowski connecting with him eight times for 146 yards and two scores.

In 2017, the Patriots made their first trip to Mexico in two decades when they played the Oakland Raiders in Mexico City. They dominated, scoring 33 points to the Raiders' 8, continuing their international winning streak at 3-0. However, their 2023 game in Frankfurt was a disappointment. Cornerback J.C. Jackson was not present, Bill Belichick's future was questioned, and the Patriots lost 10-6. The game was marred by two interceptions by quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots returned to the United Kingdom in 2024 for their first game back in 12 years, also against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. They lost 32-16, dropping their international record to 3-2. The Patriots have also played three preseason contests and an interleague game abroad over the years. Their inaugural international game was against the Lions in Montreal in 1969, where they lost 22-9.

In the 1990s, they faced the Steelers and Browns in Canada, losing both games. In 1998, they won 21-3 against the Dallas Cowboys in Mexico City. A game against the Seattle Seahawks in Beijing was originally scheduled for 2007 but was postponed and later canceled.