Washington Redskins Training Camp Profile: QB Case Keenum

While the selection of Dwayne Haskins in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft has the Redskins organization and their fans excited for the future, the quarterback that may be have the most impact throughout the 2019 season is none other than Case Keenum.

New Washington Redskins quarterback Case Keenum had a rather forgettable year with the Denver Broncos during the 2018 season, leading the team to a paltry 6-10 record.  This record was good for third in the AFC West, right above the lowly Oakland Raiders.  He compiled 18 touchdowns,15 interceptions, 3,890 passing yards, and an 81.2 quarterback ranking for the club.  The journeyman quarterback definitely seemed to regress, compared to his 2017 season as quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings.

As the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Keenum thrived when given an opportunity.  He was surrounded by Pro Bowl receiver Adam Thielen, former University of Maryland product Stefon Diggs (who was on the receiving end of the “Minneapolis Miracle”), and Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph.  In all, during the 2017 campaign the Vikings had seven Pro Bowl players and four players named first or second team All-Pro.  Keenum and the rest of this talented cast lost in the NFC Championship game to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Case Keenum was acquired by the Redskins via trade with the Broncos along with a 2020 seventh-round draft pick for a 2020 sixth-round pick.  This is not the first time these two teams have made a trade, as the Redskins were able to rid themselves of disgruntled safety Su’a Cravens in March of 2018.

While Redskins fans are understandably clamoring for the promising QB Haskins to start in his rookie year, it would be wise for the team to start the 31-year old Keenum in Week 1 if he performs better than Dwayne Haskins in training camp and the preseason.  Redskins head coach Jay Gruden must fight off potential ownership and front office interference if Keenum is seen as the best choice for winning games in the 2019 season.  He has the experience needed, and is still only a few seasons removed from being a solid contributor on a team that played in the NFC Championship game.

With questions surrounding the offensive line, and an inexperienced wide receiver group, the experienced and battle-tested Keenum might in fact be the right guy for the job in 2019.  He must shed his reputation of being a journeyman quarterback, but he will not be surrounded with talent like with the Vikings in 2017.  Regardless, Keenum can make a positive impact on the team in the upcoming season, whether it’s serving as a mentor to Haskins and other inexperienced offensive players, or by winning games as the starter with solid quarterback play.