Interesting to revisit this from 6 weeks ago (nm)

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Rams43
[theramswire.usatoday.com]

By: Alex Alarcon | 3 hours ago
In this new series, we will break down the top training camp battles for the Los Angeles Rams. Get to know the strengths and weaknesses of each player, as they battle for the spotlight in Los Angeles. Next on the list, QB Case Keenum vs. Jared Goff.

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It’s going to be the most watched training camp battles of 2016 for the Los Angeles Rams. Veteran Case Keenum will be up against rookie Jared Goff for the starting QB role. Keenum took control of the Rams offense after the decision to demote Nick Foles. The 28-year-old went on to lead the Rams to a 3-2 overall record last season.

On the flip side, rookie QB Goff out of Cal, looks ready to shine in the NFL. In his last two years as a Golden Bear, Goff totaled 78 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Will the veteran continue to lead the Rams, or will the 21-year-old step into the L.A. spotlight Week 1?

The case for Keenum
One of the biggest advantages for Keenum is his understanding of his role and the Rams offense. Clearly, The Rams will be more of a run-first team with a Pro Bowl running back in Todd Gurley, but Keenum needs to step up when called upon.

Even though Keenum threw for an average of 165 yards per game, his QB rating for the 2016 season wasn’t great, at 87.7. With Gurley running the offensive show, Keenum only attempted over 25 passes in one out of his five games. Given the opportunity, Keenum may excel in a pass-first offense when needed, but that’s an unknown currently.

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Everybody may look at Goff’s college career stats and think he’s the answer for the Rams, but actually Keenum had three-times better stats than Goff in college, surprisingly. How about throwing for 155 touchdowns and only 46 interceptions in a four-year career? Keenum had three seasons where he threw for over 44 touchdowns, Goff had none.

The former Houston QB has the ability to air it out often, but just needs some experience. Keenum has played in a total of 16 regular season games in his NFL career, throwing for 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He’s learning at the right time with the Rams.

The case for Goff
Keenum may have the experience and wins under his belt as a member of the Rams, but Goff brings a new line of quarterback skills that makes him different from the rest.

That is why the Rams traded as much as they did to make sure no one else could get their hands on the potential franchise superstar. Should the Rams wait on Goff and have him learn from the sidelines, or learn in the actual game?

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The 2016 season could be a do-or-die season for head coach Jeff Fisher because of the relocation, playoff drought, and draft pick of Goff. It’s time to unleash the rookie into battle and have him win some games in Los Angeles. Like I said about Keenum, the Rams will be handing the ball to Gurley often. This means Goff definitely won’t be consistently throwing over thirty passes each game.

If the rookie can connect with his wide receivers on a high percentage of passes, that’s all he needs to do. It was shown at Cal that Goff can complete that duty and do much more. Another key factor to point out is, why would the team trade up to select Goff to make the big splash, but yet calm the hype by starting Keenum Week 1? Fisher may lean towards the fans and start the rookie if the competition is close. Or could do just the opposite.

The final verdict
Jun 1, 2016; Oxnard, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks Case Keenum (17) and Jared Goff (16) throw passes at organized team activities at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Case Keenum wins the starting job. It’s hard to imagine Fisher putting out Goff Week 1 on Monday Night Football on the road against the San Fransisco 49ers. Goff has a lot of learning to do, and he may learn a lot during training camp, but it still may just be too early.

This training camp battle can be summed up in one sentence — it’s Case Keenum’s job to lose. Keenum came in as the hero last season, but with the added pressure to win games, and a very talented rookie QB watching from the sidelines, he may fold under that the pressure.

I expect another two-quarterback year for the Rams once again. Keenum starts, but fails to deliver. Goff enters and is the hero everyone wants him to be.