Rams’ Keenum upset with benching for Goff
Case Keenum knows his statistics are unimpressive, and he sees the Los Angeles Rams’ record hovering below .500. He also realizes the raw economic imperatives faced by an NFL franchise that traded six draft picks to move up to get a quarterback with the No. 1 overall choice.
The team captain still couldn’t deny his hurt feelings when the Rams (4-5) promoted former Cal star Jared Goff into his starting spot this week.
“Honestly, I wasn’t happy,” Keenum said Wednesday after his second practice as backup to the 22-year-old rookie who will take his first NFL snap Sunday.
“I want to play,” Keenum said. “That’s why I play football, is to play football, is to be the quarterback, the guy with the ball in his hands. With that being said, I trust Coach (Jeff) Fisher. I trust the coaches and their decision.”
The Rams will get their first look at their future when the Miami Dolphins (5-4) visit the Coliseum.
Goff’s progress in practice and the Rams’ stagnant offensive performances finally persuaded Fisher to make the change.
Cowboys: Dak Prescott says nothing has changed for him after Tony Romo’s heartfelt speech that conceded the starting job to the rookie quarterback. While Prescott frequently said Dallas was Romo’s team early in an eightgame winning streak that has tied a franchise season record, he isn’t calling it his team now. The 23-year-old says Dallas is “our team.” Buccaneers: Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans says he will not continue to protest the election of Donald Trump as president by declining to stand for the national anthem before games.
The third-year pro apologized Wednesday to the military and anyone else “truly affected” by him not joining his teammates in standing on the sideline before last week’s game against the Chicago Bears.
Jets: General manager Mike Maccagnan said he is still glad he agreed to bring back quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick this offseason — even if it all went wrong this season.
“I have no regrets about bringing Ryan back,” Maccagnan said.
Fitzpatrick leads the NFL with 13 interceptions against has just eight touchdown passes.
Packers: Green Bay has claimed Seattle running back Christine Michael on waivers, a source said, confirming an NFL.com report. Michael led the Seahawks with 469 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Titans: Marcus Mariota is feeling more comfortable with each game that passes with Tennessee.
Considering how he’s performed through just 22 career games, that’s news the rest of the AFC South and NFL likely don’t want to hear.
“He’s just getting better and better as we go,” Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews said. “I think that’s showing. I think he’s going to continue to get better. I don’t think we’ve even seen the best of him yet, so that’s kind of scary actually.”
Hall of Fame: First-year eligibles LaDainian Tomlinson, Hines Ward, Jason Taylor, and Brian Dawkins are among 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2017. Coaches Don Coryell and Jimmy Johnson made the semifinals, along with placekicker Morten Andersen.
Previously nominated were Kenny Easley, Jerry Jones and ex-NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue. The 2017 class will be selected on Feb. 4, the day before the Super Bowl. Between four and eight new members will be chosen. Inductions will be in August at the Canton, Ohio, shrine.