Denver Broncos: Comparing the impact of Case Keenum vs. Kirk Cousins

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos warms up prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Case Keenum

Contract: Two years, $36 million ($25 million guaranteed)

Key Stats

W/L record: 6-7
280-453 passing (61.8%), 15 TDs, 10 INTs, 30 sacks
Three fourth-quarter comebacks, four game-winning drives
Opponents beaten: Seahawks, Raiders, Cardinals, Chargers, Steelers, Bengals

The Denver Broncos’ investment in Case Keenum is a mere blip in comparison to the deal that was given to Cousins on the open market.

Statistically, Cousins has been superior to Keenum in almost every metric. He has a higher completion percentage, more touchdowns, fewer interceptions, and is sacked less frequently per dropback.

But Keenum has come up big for the Broncos in the clutch a number of times. He has three fourth-quarter comebacks this season, four game-winning drives, and would have had a fifth game-winning drive had he been able to hit Demaryius Thomas for a touchdown against the Chiefs earlier this season.

He would have had a sixth game-winning drive this season had Brandon McManus hit a 51-yard field goal to beat the Texans.

One of those missed opportunities can be pinned on Keenum, but he deserves credit for coming up with some clutch throws throughout this season and has more quality wins (in my opinion) than does Cousins.

The Broncos’ win percentage is slightly lower than the Vikings, who have the edge in that category due to an early-season tie.

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