10-27-2017, 01:44 AM
If their game Sunday goes as expected, they will by this time next week be choosing between their injured franchise quarterback, the injured franchise quarterback they acquired to replace the former, and a quarterback who will have won five of the seven games in which he has played this season.
This is where it is important to be able to distinguish between fish, and chips. The Vikings need to be wise enough to discern which quarterback is an entree, and which is an accompaniment.
His record in games in which he has played this season is 5-2, placing the Vikings among the top teams in the league, but his game-by-game synopsis is less impressive. He played poorly against Pittsburgh, brilliantly against Tampa Bay, poorly against Detroit, and well enough in games against Chicago, Green Bay and Baltimore.
He threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns against a Bucs defense missing three of its best players. Since then, he has not thrown a touchdown pass to a wide receiver, has thrown two touchdown passes and two interceptions, and has not topped 239 passing yards while missing receivers deep, either with his arm or eyes.
On a team relying on defense and rushing, Keenum has been good enough to win against the soft portion of the schedule. The Vikings have faced rookie Mitch Trubisky, Packers backup Brett Hundley (after Aaron Rodgers was injured) and slumping Ravens starter Joe Flacco during their three-game winning streak. Keenum has done his job by not losing games that the defense was capable of winning on its own. What we’ve seen this season is exactly in line with Keenum’s career.
This is where it is important to be able to distinguish between fish, and chips. The Vikings need to be wise enough to discern which quarterback is an entree, and which is an accompaniment.
His record in games in which he has played this season is 5-2, placing the Vikings among the top teams in the league, but his game-by-game synopsis is less impressive. He played poorly against Pittsburgh, brilliantly against Tampa Bay, poorly against Detroit, and well enough in games against Chicago, Green Bay and Baltimore.
He threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns against a Bucs defense missing three of its best players. Since then, he has not thrown a touchdown pass to a wide receiver, has thrown two touchdown passes and two interceptions, and has not topped 239 passing yards while missing receivers deep, either with his arm or eyes.
On a team relying on defense and rushing, Keenum has been good enough to win against the soft portion of the schedule. The Vikings have faced rookie Mitch Trubisky, Packers backup Brett Hundley (after Aaron Rodgers was injured) and slumping Ravens starter Joe Flacco during their three-game winning streak. Keenum has done his job by not losing games that the defense was capable of winning on its own. What we’ve seen this season is exactly in line with Keenum’s career.
Sticking with Keenum might feel safe, but the organizational goal is not to slip into the playoffs but to win a Super Bowl. Keenum can’t get the Vikings there. Bridgewater or Bradford, if healthy, would give them a puncher’s chance.
http://www.startribune.com/case-keenum-i...453489053/
http://www.startribune.com/case-keenum-i...453489053/