Denver Broncos: 3 Ways Case Keenum is Changing Minds

With the Denver Broncos showing signs of life in a lost season it’s important to acknowledge the performance of  Denver’s first-year quarterback.

Let’s be honest. We’ve been pretty tough on Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum in his first season at the helm of the team.  By extension we’ve also been tough on John Elway and his decisions leading the Broncos.

We never asked for Elway’s dismissal, only that he shoulder his share of the responsibility for the state of the team.  Part of that responsibility was the decision to hire Keenum and guarantee him $25 million.

For the first two weeks of the season, Keenum threw four interceptions.  The Broncos won both games so it was inconsequential but still concerning.  Winning masks a lot of issues. Keenum threw at least one interception in nine consecutive games. The Broncos were 3-6 and things looked dark in Dove Valley.

Fans, for their part put the lion’s share of the blame for the start squarely on Vance Joseph‘s shoulders.  The notion was not and is not unfounded but it only addresses part of the story.

So, while a 5-6 record and only the smallest of shots at the playoffs aren’t enough to rescind everything we’ve said this season about the Broncos, it’d be arrogance not to admit we may have been wrong about a couple of things.

Keenum still has a long way to go, as do the Broncos but the two games they’ve won over the past two weeks give cause to keep an open mind. There’s a different feel about the team since the bye week.  The defense has made more of an impact.  The pieced together offensive line has been solid.  Phillip Lindsay has been outstanding.

Whatever inroads the Broncos make will be on the right arm of Keenum, though and he has not disappointed in the Denver resurgence.  Here are three things he’s done to turn us around: