Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
The name is not sexy, it’s not provocative, heck I’ll just say it; it’s not really attractive at all. Yes, I am talking about Case Keenum. Is the name even recognizable? For those that responded with ‘Who?’, let me introduce you. He is the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams.
Now that the introductions have been made, let me spew some facts in your face; that conjures up some pleasant imagery, am I right? Case Keenum entered the league in 2013 for the Houston Texans. He started 8 games that season, Week 7-13 and again in Week 15.
They lost every game he started, but the Texans lost a lot of games that season. His stats for that season? Completion percentage was 54.2%. He threw 9 touchdowns and 6 picks and ended the season with a 72.8 QBR. They were back-up worthy numbers, which is what his role was. In the next two seasons with the Texans, he combined to play a total of 8 more games.
Over that span he threw 6 TDs and 3 INTs, with his completion percentage coming to 59.6%. Again, back-up quarterback numbers. In 2015, the Rams signed Keenum as their back-up quarterback. Sensing a theme here? Of course I have to give you his stas.
I really meant it when I said I was going to spew them in your face. In 6 games played, Keenum threw 4 touchdowns and only 1 interception. His completion percentage was 60.8%. His QBR was 87.7. If Keenum maintained that, yes that is a bit far-fetched, but if he did, his QBR would’ve ranked first in the league last season. Now those, are starting quarterback numbers.
What is Case Keenum in 2016? Starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams. We’re coming full circle now. The stats are over by the way; the editorial is going to begin.
When I look at those stats, I see improvement. Each year Keenum managed to get better, improving his numbers. Let’s take a step back and look at what we have. We have a quarterback entering his fourth season, his first as a starting quarterback. The way I see it, that is 3 years of working his way up through the food chain. That is 3 seasons of tweaking his skills and gathering knowledge along the way.
Aaron Rodgers rode the pine for 3 years before becoming the starter in Green Bay by the way, just a fun fact. Before looking up Keenum’s career stats, I must admit, I had him pegged for a back-up quarterback. Now I see why, that’s all he’s been his entire career. Is all he needs is a chance? Somebody to send him out under center in the season opener? My optimism is rising, my curiosity has peaked, and I am genuinely excited to see him start against the 49ers on Monday night. Although I really didn’t need another reason to be excited about that game.
Until I see his performance week 1 however, my thoughts on him remain tempered. A spark of curiosity and a boost in my optimism. I refrain from buying into the optimism due to the shaky Rams receiving corps. That is an entirely different article though. Boy could I bust out stats for that one.
I digress; final thoughts, Keenum should continue to improve in the right direction. Based on Goff’s preseason performance and QB3 label, I hope we get to see Keenum play the entire year. Although I did like what I saw from Mannion. I think Keenum has the potential to be a playoff starter. I really hesitate to say that this will be the year however. So there is hope for the future. How much hope? I guess that question will be answered as the season progresses with Keenum at the helm.
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