Kirk Cousins Is Outperformed by Case Keenum

It’s understandable why Minnesota brought in Kirk Cousins even after Keenum’s outstanding season. Keenum is a career journeyman. Prior to this past season, Keenum’s record is 9-15. His stat line in those 24 stats is a meager 5,224 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.

Although Cousin’s record isn’t much to write home about at 26-30-1 in 57 starts, his stat line is much more impressive. In his three seasons as a full-time starter, he topped 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns every season. His completion percentage also was 64.3 percent or higher in each of those seasons. The one knock is his interception rate which never got lower than two percent.

On paper, Kirk Cousins is a clear upgrade. In real life, however, Keenum is stepping into a situation that will continue to elevate his play. After years with quarterback-killer Jeff Fisher, Keenum finally showed what he is capable of last year.

Most importantly, this Denver team is not the same team as last year’s 5-11 records shows. They return nearly every starter to a fantastic defense that was crippled last year by offensive turnovers. On the offensive side of the ball, they are healthy and revamped with Elway’s offseason moves. Furthermore, early reports out of Denver indicate Keenum is taking command of the Bronco offense under Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave.

Cousin’s season won’t be terrible, but as he gets used to his receivers, I anticipate his interception percentage rising and passing yards to drop. Meanwhile, Keenum will put together another career year as the starter in Denver.

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