Rams sticking with Case Keenum at quarterback despite troubles

The quarterback carousel continues for the St. Louis Rams as head coach Jeff Fisher announced that he plans to start quarterback Case Keenum against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, as long as he is healthy enough to play. Keenum was diagnosed with a concussion after the team’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens and could not complete the leagues concussion protocol in time for the game in Cincinnati.

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Fisher spoke about decision to sit Keenum on Sunday and his plans moving forward.

"“As far as out decision to go with Nick, Case has still not passed the protocol. That’s why he was third and he was inactive. When Case does pass it and were hopeful that it is this week then he’ll go back under center as the starter.” (Nick Wagoner, ESPN)"

Keenum was inactive against the Bengals, which allowed Nick Foles to regain his starting role after just one week on the bench. With a great opportunity to take control of the position back, Foles laid an egg and tossed three interceptions and no touchdowns in a blowout loss. Foles finished 30 of 46 for 228-yards and a passer rating under 50.

Foles was asked what, if anything, has changed over the past two seasons since his Pro Bowl appearance.

"“I still feel like the same player.” Foles said. “ It’s one of those things where it’s just a bump in the road and you learn. It’s a lot of character building and a lot of adversity. Every week you want to turn it around, and it’s one of those things where it’s longer than you think. You just have to keep working on the fine details.” (Wagoner, ESPN)"

St. Louis was so desperate for signs of life at the quarterback position that rookie Sean Mannion made his NFL debut in relief of Foles agains the Bengals. Mannion would finish 6 of 7 for 31-yards in

Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

his abbreviated opportunity, but gained some valuable experience against a quality defense.

Mannion spoke about that experience after the game.

"“Preseason is a whole different animal compared to the regular season.” Mannion said. “I t was great to get in there. I tried to play a simple game. I focused on getting the ball out of my hand fast, being accurate, completing some passes. I just tried to complete some passes and operate the offense.” (Wagoner, ESPN)"

Mannion was one of the Rams 2015 third-round draft selections. Coming out of Oklahoma State, Mannion was highly regarded as one of the better quarterback prospects after first and second overall selections, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. When asked about his readiness as a viable backup option moving forward, Fisher was quick to shut it down.

"“Not at this point.” Fisher said. “He hasn’t had enough time. I slowed the game down at the end just to give him an opportunity to get in the game. He was excited to play” (Wagoner, ESPN)"

Regardless of the direction the Rams go at quarterback, it’s obvious the position could use a huge upgrade. The team though they had that in their trade with Philadelphia this offseason for Foles, but it appears that may not be the case. St. Louis will play host to the division leading Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, a team they defeated earlier this season in Arizona. The Cardinals will be looking for a bit of revenge, and the Rams will need a serious counter punch to stay undefeated in division play.

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