One of the best things New England Patriots fans can ask for during the offseason happens to come during the week of the league's schedule release.
This week, the NFL schedule makers have been tidying up their loose ends and, even before the full slate was available to the public, we started hearing about some of the matchups ahead of time. The Patriots will end up traveling internationally, this season, as they are set to take on the Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany.
As the league's sole game in Germany this year, the defending AFC Champions will take on a Lions team that's hungry to get back to the postseason. FanSided's Lions expert, Candace Pedraza, was kind enough to sit down and chat about this matchup, highlighting one area she believes the Lions will pose a problem for New England:
"The Lions' rejuvenated defensive front could present some serious issues for a Patriots offensive line that has some major question marks, especially in their tackle room. Rookie Derrick Moore and veteran D.J. Wonnum are expected to help Aidan Hutchinson get freed up from the double and triple-teaming he saw a ton of in 2025, with Moore an especially tough bull rusher that the Patriots have to try to contain."
The Lions' pass rush could pose the biggest problem to Drake Maye and the Patriots in Munich, Germany
The interesting thing, here, is that the Lions' pass rush was very good in 2025 even without DJ Wonnum or their rookie, Derrick Moore. Last season, Detroit finished towards the top of the league in sacks, checking in at tied for fourth with 49.
Aidan Hutchinson led the way with 14.5, but their second-leading sack artist, Al-Quadin Muhammad, left in free agency for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That's where the additions of Wonnum and Moore will come into play.
Last year, Wonnum totaled just 3.0 sacks with the Carolina Panthers and Moore is in his first year as a pro. So, the pressure will really be on those two.
Additionally, Pedraza highlighted a presence on the interior who will be healthy: Alim McNeill. He's going to be a difference maker, as well.
"Alim McNeill is also expected to be healthy and ready to go for a full season, and his pocket disruption can also give New England's line a major headache," she said.
So, although the Lions lost Muhammad, they added a couple of other pass rushers and will also get McNeill back in the fold. McNeill is seen as one of the better interior defensive linemen when it comes to disruption.
The Patriots will need to figure out their best five up front, between the new additions of Alijah Vera-Tucker and Caleb Lomu, along with second-year pro Will Campbell, and the rest of the crew. Fortunately, they have plenty of time before the two teams square off in Week 10, when they meet on November 15.
Will the new-look Patriots offensive line be able to handle the new-look Lions' defensive front?
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