The Los Angeles Rams coaching staff and front office was under a lot of scrutiny after trading up to draft quarterback Jared Goff with the top overall pick in the 2016 draft and then deciding not to name him the starting quarterback out of training camp, instead awarding journeyman Case Keenum with the job.
After a rough opening game in which the Rams were shutout by the San Francisco 49ers, Keenum has responded with three above average performances putting the Rams at 3-1.
The fifth-year quarterback has improved in each game so far this season, which has impressed some coaches on the Rams staff. According to Myles Simmons of therams.com, Rams offensive coordinator Rob Boras has been impressed with the improvement and leadership of Keenum:
“He’s getting better,” offensive coordinator Rob Boras said. “He’s very cerebral, he’s getting us in the right plays, and he’s making plays. He’s making plays with his arm. He made some plays with his feet the other day as well. He’s extending plays for us. And I’ve talked about it many times, he’s a natural leader. And that’s one of the things [at] that position that is so critical to the whole offense’s success.”
Keenum feels that the team is going to continue to grow offensively:
“We’ve done some good things. It’s like coach said the other day, there’s some good things, there’s some bad things, there’s some things we need to correct,” quarterback Case Keenum said after Wednesday’s practice. “What’s exciting is we’ve found ways to win, and we’ve still got room to grow offensively in a lot of areas — myself included.”
Through the first four games Keenum has completed 55.4 percent of his passes for 825 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.
With Los Angeles’ defense playing at the caliber it currently is, Keenum knows he does not have to do to much to win games, but most importantly needs to limit turnovers.
After two interceptions in the season opener Keenum has thrown just one in the last three games. This weekend he will go against the Buffalo Bills who rank 17th against the pass this season, averaging 261 passing yards against per game.
