Houston Texans: Don’t Count Out Case Keenum For No. 2!
Tom Savage was drafted in the 4th round in this year’s NFL draft as a project-type quarterback that fit the ideal size that Bill O’Brien was looking for his offensive schemes in hopes of one day being the presumptive starter. I honestly think he looks like a poor man’s Russell Wilson!
Case Keenum, the undersized, undrafted local product from the University of Houston who stole the show at last November’s Sunday Night Football game against the Indianapolis Colts, was on the upswing and even looked to be the starter moving forward.
But, unfortunately, that ship has apparently sailed.
Nov 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Tom Savage (7) scrambles with the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The picture of his future under center for the Texans got fuzzy as he continued to struggle throughout the remainder of the season…
With journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick all but assured to be the starter Week 1 against Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins, the question now is whether or not Keenum will compete to be the starter here in Houston.
Will he do enough to hold off Savage and even make the final 53-man roster?
Preseason football can be tough to watch but tomorrow night against the Arizona Cardinals all eyes will be on the play of the backups fighting for roster spots.
The most interesting? The battle for the No. 2 spot at quarterback.
The biggest knock on Keenum outside of something he can’t control other than his size has been decision-making at the highest-level against NFL defenses.
I, for one, believe in his ability and feel that things will slow down enough.
When the bright lights come on, he will perform well…
Fitzpatrick is an interesting case as he has been quite sporadic in terms of his play in his NFL career.
However, back in 2011, when he was playing well, it showed and was rewarded with a huge extension worth $59 million with $24 million guaranteed over six years.
He didn’t get a chance to reap the entire amount as he was traded after the following season and has become quite the traveler as of late.
Do you know what that contract extension reminded me of?
It reminded me of a moment nearly 15 years ago when former Rocket Kelvin Cato was signed to a large extension just based off his performance from one season.
It’s widely-considered that it was one of the worst contracting signings of all-time, especially since player contracts in the NBA are fully-guaranteed.
He underperformed and eventually was shipped away to the Orlando Magic and playing the rest of his career as a journeyman.
Could that be Fitz? Let’s hope not.
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The moral to the story? Franchises should be more patient before forking over the cash! It can really hurt them.
Anyway, if the Texans have any hope of winning in the weak AFC South, they need to play the type of football that minimizes mistakes.
Let’s hope Fitz is healthy, executes smartly and controlled as he should.
If he falters or suffers an injury, look for Keenum to take over the reins, learn from his mistakes and keep the Texans in contention.