Patriots international game a possibility in the near future
Since the start of the NFL’s International Series in 2007, the Patriots have played abroad three times – the fifth-most by any NFL team in that span. They haven’t taken part in an international game since 2017, but that is expected to change in the near future.
Monday morning, the NFL announced the five home teams for this year’s international games – three in England, one in Mexico City, and for the first time one in Germany. While the Patriots aren’t slated as the home team for any of those games, two of the teams they’re scheduled to visit this year are included on the list.
The Green Bay Packers, who are on the Patriots’ schedule with the rest of the NFC North, are set to host a game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, some have pointed out it is unlikely the league would move a marquee matchup overseas. This will be the first time the Packers play an international game – they were the final team in the NFL that had yet to be involved heading into this year.
Perhaps more likely would be a trip to Mexico City to take on the Arizona Cardinals, who are the Patriots are also set to visit under the league’s new schedule format. It will be the Cardinals’ second international game, and first in Mexico.
If the Patriots don’t get an international game in 2022, one is likely on the way in 2023 or 2025, when they have the extra home game under the 17-game, 18-week format. Germany has been named as a logical trip, given the Patriots’ popularity in the country and their connection with the International Home Marketing Areas initiative.
In their three international games to this point, the Patriots are 3-0 with wins over the Buccaneers (2009, 35-7) and Rams (2012, 45-7) in London and against the Raiders (2017, 33-8) in Mexico City. The Patriots have been designated the road team in each of those three games.
Of course, this represents just one game on the Patriots’ schedule. Here’s a full look at their 2022 opponents (the week-by-week schedule is usually released after the NFL Draft)…
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
