ESPN commentator and noted New England Patriots critic Bart Scott reacted to the team facing the Detroit Lions in Week 10 in Munich.
There were rumors that the Patriots may play international contests, with schedule leaks coming out on Tuesday evening. Now, that is very much happening, as the Patriots will look to face a more difficult schedule than they did in 2025. This could be a marquee game, with the Lions coming off a 9-8 season in 2025. They failed to make the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, in what was a crowded NFC North division.
Now, they will be looking to get back into the swing of things, and this game will give them a chance to make noise on an international scale.
In the meantime, Scott sees this game as a status shift for the Patriots, with the latter coming off a Super Bowl appearance in 2025.
“[The Patriots] aren’t used to being the hunted, they’re used to being the hunters… Let’s see how the Patriots handle that.”
Scott Is Noted Patriots Critic
Scott has notoriously been a critic of the Patriots organization, both as a player and as a commentator. He infamously went on an interview live on ESPN following the Jets‘ upset victory in 2011 where he mocked the Patriots’ defense. The defense was ranked 23rd in the league at the time, and the Jets were able to defeat the Patriots by a 28-21 score in the AFC Divisional Round. He ended the interview with the infamous “Can’t Wait!” quote which made headlines across the league.
Scott played 19 games against the Patriots in his career. He was 4-15 in those games and recorded 81 total tackles. He recorded a sack, and three pass deflections. His best game against the Patriots statistically came in 2012. He recorded nine tackles in a 49-19 loss to the Patriots on Thanksgiving evening.
Patriots Have Tougher Schedule
Some of Scott’s criticisms are warranted. The Patriots have the sixth-hardest schedule in the NFL this upcoming season. They are going to go from an underdog role, into claims of the best teams in the NFL. This is especially true coming off a Super Bowl appearance.
The Patriots will reportedly play the Seattle Seahawks in the opening game of the season. This will be a rematch of the Super Bowl, as two of the league’s best go at it to begin the year. This game against the Lions will certainly not be easy as well. Detroit will be looking to put together a stronger season after missing the playoffs for the first time in three years last season.
The Patriots will undoubtedly get a chance to prove themselves among the NFL’s best next year. A narrative of an easy schedule won’t be applicable like last season. Instead, the Patriots will have to work their way back while facing some of the NFL’s best. This game against the Lions will certainly be one to watch, and will be a good measuring for how the Patriots stack up in the middle part of the season.
Patriots Under Spotlight as ESPN Analyst Raises Concerns