Redskins: Five players to watch in Week 4 bout with Giants

No. 5 –  Redskins QB Case Keenum

Case Keenum is coming off his worst game as the Redskins starting quarterback. Although he logged two touchdowns late to counteract the statistical ugliness of his five turnovers, he won’t get those four quarters back. The Bears defense established the tone early, and they rattled Keenum; he never looked comfortable, and while his line could have helped him out, he made some very costly decisions.

Over the first three games, Keenum has been who many thought he’d be. The stats sensationalize the story a bit, but there were parts of the first game where Keenum was solid, and directing the offense efficiently. Since the very first half of the season, however, he’s shown his limitations; his arm can’t always make the necessary throws (i.e. the interception intended for Trey Quinn in Week 3), his game is increasingly volatile under pressure, and he can’t bring the Redskins back from a deficit. Yeah, he’s high up in yards and passer rating. But box score scouting doesn’t encapsulate the futility Keenum’s presence has exuded.

That said, Keenum is still Jay Gruden’s preferred signal caller to this point, and if he’s fully healthy, he’ll be the one to suit up against the New York Giants. It’ll be a chance for Keenum to get right, as the Giants are one of the few defensive units below the Redskins, statistically. Both the Redskins and Giants defenses are allowing 31.3 points per game, so opportunities will be there.

If Keenum has another outing like last week, then it’s hard to see him starting much longer. Colt McCoy is working his way back to full health, and Jay Gruden has never been shy about his preference for McCoy. There’s a chance Dwayne Haskins could get a look soon as well, but Gruden seems set on letting him sit. Either way, Keenum is the first domino in the path to change. He’ll be motivated to put together a better performance this week.