Rams not ready to make change at QB
Keenum throws four picks in loss to Giants, but Goff will remain on the bench
LONDON — A week after having the best performance of his career, Case Keenum had one of his worst.
That doesn’t mean the Los Angeles Rams are ready to change starting quarterbacks to former Cal star Jared Goff just yet.
Keenum threw four interceptions, including one in the end zone with 42 seconds remaining, in the Rams’ 17-10 loss to the New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday.
And though Keenum was tabbed as the Rams’ starting quarterback over Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, coach Jeff Fisher said after the game that Goff will remain on the bench after this week’s bye.
“The quarterback is not the reason, by the way, that we lost (the last) three games,” Fisher said. “I’m staying with Case.”
His first interception, a high throw in the second quarter that deflected off the hands of wide receiver Tavon Austin. The other three occurred on the final three drives of the game. One throw was tipped and another was intended for Austin in the end zone when it was undercut by cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Keenum completed 32 of a career-high 53 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown. He threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-28 loss to the Detroit Lions a week earlier and set a franchise record with 19 consecutive completions.
He seemed to carry that momentum into the game against the Giants (4-3), completing nine of his 10 first-quarter attempts, as the Rams took a 10-0 lead.
Keenum has thrown for eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. He had an interception returned for a goahead touchdown by the Buffalo Bills two weeks ago and threw one that squandered the Rams’ final drive against the Lions.
“Take a look at the tape,” Fisher said. “See who’s responsible for the interceptions . ... I’ll make changes at receiver before I make changes with the quarterback.”
The Rams selected Keenum as their starter early in training camp despite Goff’s presence. He ascended to that role last November, when the Rams benched Nick Foles, and had seemingly grown more comfortable in the offense during a recent threegame winning streak.
Goff, who completed only 44.9 percent of his passes over all four preseason games, has gotten only limited work as Keenum’s backup. The Rams also have Sean Mannion on their roster.
“Jared’s going to play when we feel Jared’s ready, you know?” Fisher said. “Had we won this game, you wouldn’t have been asking about Jared, which I understand. We didn’t lose this game because of quarterback play today. We lost because of other positions.”