Latest Rams loss proves problems go deeper than quarterback position

Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) passes as Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) applies pressure during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated St. Louis Rams 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams found defeat in almost a sure victory last Sunday against an abysmal Baltimore Ravens squad. The Rams lead for the entirety of the contest until a last second field goal from Justin Tucker put the Ravens up 16-13 with no time remaining. From the outside looking in, the loss was tough to watch. Form the inside, it proved that the quarterback position is just one of many needs this St. Louis team will need to address.

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We’ll start with the change at quarterback. Heading into the matchup with the Ravens, head coach Jeff Fisher benched the struggling Nick Foles in favor of back up Case Keenum. Foles, prior to getting benched, had thrown for the fewest yards in the league and was a very average 9-7 in his past 16 games. Foles has passed for 200+ yards only twice this season and has failed to provide the leadership the Rams were expecting when they acquired him via trade in the offseason.

Keenum on the other hand had proven himself to hold a fair amount of potential. In stints with both the Rams and Houston Texans, Keenum had shown flashes of brilliance, but the sample size was small. On Sunday, Keenum showed why he has yet to cement himself as a starter in this league. Keenum completed 12 of his 26 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown against Baltimore. Stop me if you’ve seen that stat line before. Here’s a hint you have, from Foles, all year long.)

Keenum was not expected to light the world on fire, but he was expected to provide a change of pace and a spark the Rams offense so desperately needed. Keenum has shown ability to extend plays with his legs. However, that proved to be his down fall in Baltimore as he was charged with three fumbles on Sunday, two that were lost, including the final Rams offensive possession that proved to be the start of the game-winning drive for the Ravens.

So if neither Foles nor Keenum can be productive under center, where do the Rams look next?

Next: Here's a hint. It's right under their noses