According to this week’s results, 47 percent of Colts fans say they are confident the team is headed in the right direction. That number is still far from overwhelming, and it shows that a large portion of the fan base remains unconvinced, but it’s also a telling sign that optimism hasn’t completely died in Indianapolis.
Just a few days ago, fan confidence felt like it had hit a breaking point following the Colts’ humiliating loss against the previously winless Tennessee Titans. Indianapolis looked firmly in control early, built a 13-0 halftime lead and still found a way to lose 26-20 in one of the most disappointing performances of the season. To many fans, it felt like another example of the same problems that have defined this era of Colts football: inconsistency, missed opportunities and an inability to take advantage of games the team should have won.
Then came the big change! Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon fired general manager Chris Ballard less than 24 hours after the loss, ending a tenure that has become increasingly disillusioned for much of the fan base. Firing Ballard doesn’t fix the roster overnight, and it doesn’t erase a disappointing start to the season, but it clearly signaled a willingness from ownership to make significant changes rather than continue down the same path. That alone may have helped restore at least some belief that the franchise is capable of moving in a different direction.
The 47 percent confidence score reflects a fan base that is still not conflicted. Colts fans are frustrated, and understandably so, but there also appears to be some renewed hope that significant change could lead to better days ahead. If Shane Steichen’s team can string together a few wins and climb back into the playoff picture, confidence could rise quickly. Otherwise, this number could easily fall again.
However, right now, almost half of Colts fans still believe this franchise could be headed in the right direction.
Elsewhere around the NFL, fans were also asked which head coach they believe will be fired first this season, and Colts head coach Shane Steichen received 17% of the vote, tying Tampa Bay’s Todd Bowles for second place behind Washington’s Dan Quinn (34%). Steichen’s inclusion should come as little surprise given Indianapolis’ disappointing start to the season and the recent firing of Chris Ballard. While ownership has already made a big change in the organization, Steichen remains under a lot of pressure to turn things around, especially with the Colts still fighting to stay in the AFC playoff picture. A few victories in the coming weeks could help improve his job security, but another extended losing streak could leave ownership facing another difficult decision before the season ends.