Patriots Belichick vs. Colts Rookie Quarterback: 'Best Game'?
For the first time, the New England Patriots will play in Frankfurt, Germany. In a highly-anticipated matchup, they have a date with the Indianapolis Colts in the international game during Week 10.
It's considered a "home" game nearly 4,000 miles away with a very intriguing storyline: Bill Belichick vs. a first-year head coach and a rookie quarterback in No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson.
Sports Illustrated ranked the 10 best games of the 2023 NFL season and Patriots vs. Indianapolis comes in at No. 8:
There are two reasons I have this game circled. The first is that we need an Anthony Richardson game on this list. We just do. The guy is going to be appointment viewing for the majority of the season. The second is that I want to see Richardson against Belichick. I know people are tired of how hyped Belichick gets when he is not regularly winning Super Bowls, but I promise you, the man is still a defensive genius.
I think this game will end up being one of the great offensive mind (new Colts coach Shane Steichen) versus defensive mind coaching matchups of the season, in addition to being a showcase for a young rookie quarterback facing one of his toughest challenges of the year. Belichick is 22–6 all time against rookie quarterbacks. Could Richardson be the guy to reverse that trend?
And it’ll take place in front of plenty of eyeballs, in a stand-alone, early-morning TV window from Germany. Also, Germany rules.
Can Belichick continue his winning ways vs. rookie quarterbacks with the added challenge of travel and an early morning game? New England is 3-0 in international games. A win in Germany, right before their bye week, would go a long way for Mac Jones and New England. The Patriots finished the 2022 season with an 8-9 record and currently have the worst odds to win the AFC East Division.
The Patriots vs. the New York Jets earned the 'best game' of the season. The Patriots have not lost to the Jets since 2015, an impressive seven-year winning streak totaling 14 victories against the AFC East foe. It's the the longest-active winning streak by one team to a single opponent. This year brings a big difference in four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Definitely another one to watch.
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