Browns Should Have Confidence in Case Keenum

A Romanticized Role

For a better part of the last 20 years, the backup quarterback for the Browns has been one of the more popular figures in Cleveland. While this can be attributed to colossal failure after colossal failure being employed by the Browns at the quarterback position, fans and coaches should always be cognizant of the fact that all it takes is one play for a backup to be elevated to starter. While a long-term injury to Baker Mayfield would certainly derail Cleveland’s playoff chances, the Browns should feel confident in Case Keenum’s ability to facilitate the offense for a few games if needed.

Keenum’s Accomplishments

Keenum came into the NFL as one of college football’s most accomplished passers in the sport’s history. The former Houston Cougar threw for at least 44 touchdowns in three of his collegiate seasons. Despite this, Keenum went undrafted due to his small stature and poor measurables. However, Keenum worked his was up the ladder in the NFL. After spending his rookie season the Houston Texans practice squad, he showed his ability to play during on October 20, 2013 when Gary Kubiak decided to go with Keenum for a game against Kansas City. Since then, Keenum has played for six NFL teams as both a starting a backup quarterback.

One of the most vital aspects of a backup quarterback’s job is to have a vast understanding of the offense being run. This is certainly the case with Keenum, who spent time with Browns head coach and play caller Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota during the 2017 season. During that stretch, Keenum led the Vikings to a playoff appearance and victory over the New Orleans Saints in a game that Viking fans refer to as “The Minneapolis Miracle”. Keenum has been well traveled over his career but his brightest moment came with Stefanski in Minnesota. Keenum’s familiarity with how Stefanski likes to call a game as a play caller also helped the development of Baker Mayfield in year one of Stefanski’s system.

Before coming to Cleveland, Keenum had started at least eight games the previous three seasons. In those seasons, Keenum’s worst completion percentage was 62.3%, which is still very respectable for a starting quarterback. Included in these seasons was Keenum’s lone campaign with Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota, where Keenum completed a career best 67.6% of his passes. While that was four seasons ago, Cleveland should have confidence in Keenum’s ability to lead them through a brief stretch of the season if need be.

Chris Simms: Case Keenum can win playoff games for the Browns, if needed – Sports4CLE 5/26/21