What the Patriots are saying about going to Germany for the Colts game

FOXBOROUGH – There were plenty of rolling duffel bags in the Patriots locker room on Thursday as the team prepares to travel to Germany for Sunday’s game against the Colts.

Wide receiver Demario Douglas said he is excited to see a new place.

“This is my first time out of the country,” Douglas said. “So it will be different, a different atmosphere.”

Defensive end Deathrich Wise Jr. said he watched highlights of German football matches. He appreciated the fireworks during the games and hopes there will be some for the Patriots game as well.

Wise said he plans to sleep as much as possible on the plane to help his body acclimate to the time change. He doesn’t normally use neck pillows, but he said he’s bringing one for this trip.

Wise hopes to find some time for sightseeing, but remains focused on preparing for the match.

“I think there’s a little bit of balance,” Wise said. “Kind of like doing a little bit of both while you’re there the day before the game, kind of looking around and stuff like that and seeing what everything looks like when you go into town, seeing what everything looks like and all that. . But at the same time, remember that you are there on business.”

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Thursday that the organization has been preparing for the trip since the announcement.

“Whenever it was planned,” Belichick said. “When was that announced, sometime in the spring? So I made a few trips there, different people in the organization, to plan it. All the logistics, practice facilities, stadium, hotel, meals, airlines, that kind of thing. So a lot of work has gone into it.”

Belichick said he needs to do some homework on which German phrases he wants to learn while the team is in the country.

“’Win’, maybe?” a reporter suggested.

“Yeah, do the Patriots win?” Belichick said. “What’s the word for that? I was spoken to in German, I just don’t know what was said.”

Wise was asked if the trip comes at a good time. With the Patriots’ record at 2-7, would it be nice to get away from Foxborough?

“I’d rather say the bye week comes at a good time because we’re going to Germany,” Wise said. “That will be a long journey there and back. It’s good to have that week off to relax.”

Quarterback Mac Jones said he is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I think it’s cool, right?” Jones said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to play the game we love in front of a different audience. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”