While the New England Patriots’ last-second defeat last Sunday officially ended the team’s playoff hopes, it did not dampen the spirits of the faithful.
Entering the game against the Indianapolis Colts, 24 percent of Patriots fans said they were confident in the direction of the team. Following the tight loss, that number rose to 47 percent.
What could explain the rise in confidence despite the outcome? The play of rookie quarterback Drake Maye is the likely cause.
Following his 238-yard, 80-percent completion percentage performance with a passing touchdown and 59 yards on the ground, 87 percent of Patriots fans believe the team is developing him well. Leading New England’s offense to it’s most yards gained in over two years certainly seemed to reinforce that point.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25779893/us_014.png)
The loss to Indianapolis also marked the last appearance of New England’s 1980s red throwback uniforms for the season. The team has worn them twice a year since the NFL allowed alternate helmets to return.
79 percent of Patriots fans would like to see the uniforms return next season, with 21 percent opting for the team to wear a different throwback or alternate uniform.
The Patriots are currently on their bye week, but they will visit the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. As of Sunday morning, New England is listed as 6.5-point underdogs on FanDuel Sportsbook.
