'World Champions'? New England Patriots Defending Undefeated International Record in Germany
Despite this season's unmitigated disaster, the New England Patriots remain "World Champions." Until they lose a game outside American borders, it's still an authentic title.
When the reeling, 2-7 Pats play the Indianapolis Colts Sunday morning in Frankfurt, Germany it will be the franchise's fourth international game. They are 3-0. Hence, "World Champions."
Not only is New England undefeated on foreign soil, it's done so being thoroughly dominant. Playing twice in England and once in Mexico, the Pats have won their three games by a combined 113-22. The margins of the blowouts: 28, 38 and 25 points.
Not quite as meaningful as six Super Bowls, but improving to 4-0 Sunday would re-establish New England's sparkling reputation around the globe. And, in the process, a win just might save Bill Belichick's job.
This will be the Pats' first trip abroad in six years. A look at their "world" domination:
The Patriots are 3-0 all-time in international games, winning by an average of 37-7.
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2009 London: Pats 35, Buccaneers 7 - Three interceptions - including a Pick 6 by Brandon Meriweather - led to a blowout at Wembley Stadium.
2012 London: Pats 45, Rams 7 - After falling behind 7-0, New England rattled off 45 consecutive points behind Tom Brady's four touchdown passes and Rob Gronkowski's eight catches for 146 yards. After one of Gronk's two touchdowns he famously mimicked a Buckingham Palace guard.
2017 Mexico City: Pats 33, Raiders 8 - Three Brady touchdown passes and four field goals - including a 62-yarder - by Stephen Gostkowski led to another international cakewalk.
The bar has been significantly lowered for the this year's version of the Pats in Germany. In the three previous international wins, Brady threw a combined 10 touchdown passes. It's taken Sunday's starting quarterback - Mac Jones - nine games to reach that total in this forgettable season.
