Denver Broncos: Case Keenum is a player to watch next year

The Denver Broncos have had another tumultuous season, this time in 2018 led by inconsistencies, undisciplined play, and quarterback performance.

Despite everything we’ve seen over the last handful of weeks of the regular season, Case Keenum is a player to watch closely in 2019. It is December and the Denver Broncos are out of the playoffs. Keenum signed a two-year deal in the off-season worth $36 million.

It is true that he has not lived up to the hype. However, we did see more glimpses of stability than last season. The Broncos’ quarterback carousel the last handful of years was unbearable. Fast forward to this year, Keenum played a huge part in the team’s two winning streaks.

Turnovers are one of the most powerful statistics favoring wins above losses. During the three-game winning streak, Keenum did not throw a single interception. Keenum’s decision making was questionable at times; however, the team won. He certainly made better decisions than Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, and Brock Osweiler combined.

His pocket presence is lacking at times and he’s got a problem with holding onto the football more often than he should.

Let’s look more deeply into what the root of the cause might be. Bill Musgrave is being forced out of his comfort zone to perform more play action. Keenum is one of the most successful play-action quarterbacks in the NFL. With play action, Keenum is more easily able to see his reads better and extend plays.

He is holding onto the football longer because of the opportunity to make a play. If Keenum does this in the shotgun without play action, that is my guess as to why he keeps it to his chest longer.

If the Denver Broncos are expected to make coaching changes at the end of the regular season, then it would be wise to hire someone willing work hand-in-hand with Keenum. Ensure those two can be two peas in a pod or inseparable. Keenum will ultimately grow if he and the offensive coordinator can play to the strengths of other players.

The largest complaint of Keenum is the Jekyll and Hyde quarterback he can be. He has to be more consistent for longer periods of time. While with the Minnesota Vikings, Keenum became a potential MVP candidate from week eight onward. There is hope Keenum can do this again. At the beginning of the regular season, he was getting tight ends involved. If Keenum is throwing to them then signs point to a great level of comfortability.

In all likelihood, Keenum will be back next year. One of the things that can benefit Keenum is competition, a true quarterback battle. The Denver Broncos’ priority should be signing a notable quarterback or drafting one capable of putting the pressure on Keenum. One does have to wonder if the quarterback battle in Minnesota is why he was successful. There were no guarantees Keenum would be starting week in and week out.

Keenum is a player to watch next year. If the Denver Broncos do add another quarterback in the draft, free agency, or maybe both, then Denver might see a new Keenum in 2019.