The Vikings would not be better off with Case Keenum

Despite their struggles this season, the Minnesota Vikings still made the right choice to move on from quarterback Case Keenum.

There are hot takes and then there are freezing cold takes. Takes so cold that the wool cladded Norseman from the early Viking Age wouldn’t even survive.

Thinking the 2018 Minnesota Vikings’ offense would be better off with Case Keenum at helm is one of those takes.

There are many reasons that factored into the Vikings’ offensive success in 2017, the most important one being the talented mind of offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Shurmur’s game plans were creative and played to the strengths of his weapons.

When the team lost key players like Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook due to injury he was able to easily adapt his scheme around Keenum and Jerick Mckinnon. And despite having a below average offensive line, Shurmur designed a consistent run game that also took pressure off of his quarterback.

Some could argue that now fired offensive coordinator John DeFilippo did the opposite of this, forcing in his pass-heavy scheme and becoming too predictable with the play calling.

One thing that could not be predicted last year was Keenum’s success as the starting quarterback for Minnesota. Everything seemed to click for the offense last year.

The veteran passer possessed an escapability factor that allowed him to extend plays with his feet. Shurmur utilized that mobility and was able to be more creative with the play calling.

Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs emerged as arguably the best wide receiver duo in the league which helped Keenum play mistake-free football for most of the year. He also played without fear. And why wouldn’t he? He knew the job was never his to lose. 

It’s also fair to note the strength in schedule when comparing the 2017 and 2018 seasons likely played a part in Keenum’s success. Last season, the Vikings traveled to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Washington, Atlanta, and Carolina, finishing with a 3-2 record on the road in games outside of the NFC North.

This year, Minnesota has faced much tougher road opponents in the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks.

Kirk Cousins wasn’t brought in by the Vikings because of his ability to scramble just like DeFilippo wasn’t brought in to create a pass-happy offense. The Vikings were looking to replicate last year’s offensive success while upgrading the quarterback position, and they did just that.

Minnesota Vikings

Other than Keenum’s ability to create first downs by under-throwing deep balls that resulted in a pass interference penalty, he relied heavily on his feet and a short passing game. Cousins possesses a pocket presence and strong arm that Keenum did not have.

It’s easy to be critical when the amount of money going into Cousins’ contract is factored in. But some out there need to hold off on the criticism until they see what he can do behind a solid offensive line and actually have a decent amount of time in the pocket.

From the play calling, to the strength in schedule, to having a consistent run game and a great defense, everything went the Vikings’ way last year.

The 2017 season was nothing short of magical for Minnesota. But were we realistic in thinking they could replicate the success of last season?

If 2009 taught us anything, that answer would be no.