Belichick also indicated that JC Jackson will be back with the team after their bye week.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick attends a press conference in Frankfurt, Germany, Friday, November 10, 2023. The New England Patriots will play the Indiana Colts in an NFL game on Sunday. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) AP

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH, Associated Press

November 10, 2023 | 10:32 am

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Despite the Patriots’ 2-7 slump, coach Bill Belichick was in an unusually optimistic mood Friday as he hoped his New England team could enjoy the experience of playing the Indianapolis Colts in Germany.

Belichick and the Patriots have a 3-0 all-time record in regular-season international play — the last in 2017 — but have not yet played in Germany. The team suffered a 20-17 loss to the Washington Commanders last week.

“We play a lot of NFL games and this is one that will be a little different, just like Mexico City and London were,” Belichick said. “It’s a good opportunity for our team. We’re just going to make the best of it and enjoy it, obviously focusing on playing well and regaining our focus and preparation here in the coming days. Go out there and hopefully play our best game of the year on Sunday. That is our goal.”

The Patriots are looking for their first win outside their division this season as they play the 4-5 Colts. New England’s dismal start this year is the franchise’s worst start since Belichick’s first season with the team in 2000.

Belichick said he enjoyed visiting Germany earlier, although he questioned the catering choice for media in practice: “pretzels for lunch?” – and predicted that the tight travel schedule after arriving on Friday morning meant he wouldn’t see much of Frankfurt.

“We’ll see how it goes. I’m kind of walking on fumes here,” he said.

Belichick confirmed that offensive tackle Trent Brown did not travel to Germany with the team. When asked if it was related to personal reasons or his ankle injury — both noted in Thursday’s injury report — Belichick said “both.”

Cornerback JC Jackson, who was traded from the Los Angeles Chargers last month, also did not travel with the team. Belichick indicated he expected Jackson to be available after the trip to Germany. Jackson was listed Thursday as not practicing for personal reasons. The Patriots have a bye week before playing the New York Giants on November 26.