Denver Broncos: Case Keenum’s fear of failure a non-issue
Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum faced adversity and answered the call every opportunity he was given in a victory over Seattle.
After a season in which the Denver Broncos competed for the league lead in turnovers, questions remained how the team would respond in case they struggled in that area again in 2018.
Turnovers are never a pretty sight in a football game, but it is how Case Keenum responded after each turnover that matters the most. Against the Seattle Seahawks, Keenum kept his foot on the gas pedal despite a rough home opener.
Two interceptions thrown by Keenum were ill-advised, but the third was a great read by a Hall of Fame safety who has been absent for nearly the entire offseason.
Based on last year alone, it’s not pretty for Broncos Country when multiple turnovers happen in a game. However, the point that must be noted is Keenum’s response afterward.
Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, and Brock Osweiler (all previous Broncos starters) seemed to cave in to the pressure when interceptions were thrown. The Denver Broncos needed a captain and leader to rise above the turnover ashes to win against Seattle.
There is one play in particular illustrating a confidence shift with Case Keenum despite throwing interceptions. This play is the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter to Demaryius Thomas.
While Keenum struggled with ball placement throughout the game, he never wavered in his aggressiveness. Keenum drove the Broncos down the field, utilizing numerous weapons to move the chains.
His final target was Thomas.
Keenum rolled to his right and found a very small window to hit number 88 for his third touchdown of the game. This is where the true accuracy of a top-flight quarterback shined.
In his biggest moment of the game, Keenum became a player showing no fear of failure. This is a trait of so many great quarterbacks in the National Football League. As outlined earlier, I’m not so sure the Broncos’ previous quarterbacks win this type of game due to all the turnovers. Keenum is a true leader of this football team.
He didn’t exactly shy away from placing blame on himself despite the victory.
Case Keenum: “I’m really excited about how good this football team can be. If I take care of the ball, we’re going to be hard to beat.”
— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) September 10, 2018
This is a a breath of fresh air to see from a Denver Broncos quarterback.
No fear of failure makes good football players even better football players. Keenum does have to cut down on the turnovers. But against all odds and with his back up against the wall, Keenum rose the to occasion and delivered in the biggest moment of the game.
Next. How the Broncos won in all three phases of the game. dark
It is this personality that can rub off on the teammates to play up to their potential. As Keenum said, the Denver Broncos can be a dangerous team if they take care of the football. It seems this ‘no fear’ mentality from Keenum was the right recipe for success in Minnesota. Now Keenum is bringing this mentality to Denver, and it’s translated into a victory in week one.