The 2021 NFL season can be described in many ways.
It has been the year of big injuries, the continuation of COVID-19, and the year of the backup quarterback.
Remember when the backup quarterback carried a clipboard and paced the sidelines to earn a paycheck?
That is no longer true as many have been called into action so far this season.
Among the best in the business as a backup is Case Keenum of the Cleveland Browns.
It looks as though the Browns will need him on Saturday afternoon, and they should take some solace in knowing that he is their man.
Here is why the Browns fans should have faith in Keenum.
3. He Is Experienced
Keenum is not a rookie trying to get his feet wet in the NFL in relief of Baker Mayfield.
He is in his ninth NFL season.
Not only is he a veteran NFL quarterback, but he is also experienced in the backup role.
That means he thrives on being prepared at all times which is critical for a player in this position.
Prior to starting in place of an injured Mayfield in Week 7, Keenum explained his mindset.
“I feel very ready. I’ve been ready. You don’t have to get ready if you stay ready, and I’ve been ready since I’ve got here. I’m excited.”
Keenum has the right blend of seriousness and excitement to handle the moment.
#Browns QB Case Keenum: "It's a fun game. We're getting paid to play football."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) December 15, 2021
2. He Has A Winning Record In 2021
Keenum came to the Browns in 2020 from Minnesota along with Kevin Stefanski who was the offensive coordinator of the Vikings.
He knows the offense and has already won a game this season running it.
Keenum’s win came in Week 7 when the Browns were hampered by injuries at the running back position.
Both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were out of the game, and D’Ernest Johnson and Keenum carried the Browns to victory.
Case Keenum is undefeated as the Browns starter this year. pic.twitter.com/ro5WDZnXeN
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) December 15, 2021
He can win, and as an added bonus in Week 15, he will have Chubb back which excites him a lot.
Regarding having Chubb in the backfield against the Raiders, Keenum said:
“Having a full Chubb back there is going to be really good.”
Case Keenum sewed up quote of the year honors today: Yeah, having a full Chubb back there is going to be really good” when asked about getting to play with Nick Chubb this time around.
Kinda disappointed that #FullChubb isn't trending yet #BrownsTwitter What are you guys doing?
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) December 15, 2021
1. The Coaches Are Confident In Keenum
It looks as though special teams coach Mike Priefer will be the acting head coach on Saturday.
This is not the first time Priefer took the reins with Stefanski quarantined in his basement.
Priefer has a lot of faith in Keenum and shared his confidence in Keenum.
#Browns Mike Priefer said he's confident in the quarterback situation if Baker Mayfield can't play Saturday: "Thank God we have Case Keenum."
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 15, 2021
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt echoed the sentiments saying the Browns are very lucky to have Keenum.
#Browns OC Alex Van Pelt said on Zoom "we're very lucky to have" backup QB Case Keenum
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) December 15, 2021
Browns Have Been Here Before
The Browns had to deal with a massive COVID-19 situation last season more than one time.
This team has experience dealing with this and will lean on that as well as the leadership and game-managing capabilities of Keenum to see them through their Week 15 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
NEXT: Browns Trying To Field A Complete Roster For Saturday