David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots have first matchup of 2024 season confirmed as they return to place where they have perfect record

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nicholas McGee | Last updated 5/15/24

One matchup of the 2024 New England Patriots' season has now been confirmed, and it's a game that will see them head across the Atlantic again to play at a stadium when they have a perfect record.

The NFL announced on Wednesday that the Patriots will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a Week 7 clash at Wembley Stadium in London. The game will take place on October 20.

New England will be the road team, with the Patriots playing at Wembley for the third time in their history and the first time since 2012.

The Patriots dominated both their games at Wembley, crushing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7 in 2009 and routing the then St. Louis Rams 45-7 in 2012.

Of course, both those games were with Tom Brady at quarterback and with Bill Belichick as head coach. Having played in both contests, new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo will have very fond memories of Wembley.

Ready for the UK!

The Patriots will face the Jaguars overseas in 2024. pic.twitter.com/xRT94giP5a
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 15, 2024

But things could be very different this time around, with the Patriots rebuilding under Mayo having parted with Belichick at the end of last season, a campaign that saw New England produce a dismal overseas display in a 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Frankfurt.

Indeed, the Patriots are unlikely to be favored against the Jaguars, who won successive games in their second home of London last season.

However, if third overall pick Drake Maye is the starting quarterback by that point, a trip across the pond for a duel with Trevor Lawrence will represent an excellent early barometer of where he is in his development.

The Patriots might not be able to maintain their perfect Wembley record but, in a game in which their past at quarterback — former first-round pick Mac Jones — will be on the opposite sideline, their latest overseas game could give an idea as to how bright their future is at the game's most important position.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: