Patriots preparing to play in London for first time in 12 years

FOXBORO, Mass. (WPRI) — While a matchup between two 1-5 teams isn’t usually something to get excited about, Patriots fans have a few reasons to watch their favorite team on Sunday.

The last-place Patriots and last-place Jaguars will head across the pond to play at Wembley Stadium in London.

It’s been nearly a year since the Patriots last played overseas. They lost 10-6 to the Colts in Germany in November 2023. Their last game in London was a 45-7 win over the Rams back in 2012.

For the Jaguars, it’s their second straight game in London, after they fell to the Bears last weekend at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Aside from getting to watch the Patriots play at Wembley, fans will get to see the next step in the evolution of rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

The first-round draft pick got the first start of his young career last Sunday, and while things may not have gone the Patriots’ way , his performance was encouraging. Behind a shaky offensive line, Maye showed confidence in his passing ability, going 20 for 33 with 243 yards and three touchdowns. He also scrambled for a team-best 38 yards on the ground.

But, as could be expected, there were also some growing pains. Maye threw two interceptions and was sacked four times, including one where he fumbled away the football.

Houston has one of the league’s best defenses, and Jacksonville has one of the worst, so Sunday’s matchup should give Maye a better opportunity to continue his development.

The Patriots hit the practice field on Wednesday as they look to overcome their recent struggles and put together their first win in more than a month.

The team holds a 12-2 record overall against the Jaguars and came away with a 50-10 win in their last meeting in January 2022.

The Patriots plan to leave for London on Thursday night.

Kickoff for Sunday’s game is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET.

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