Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest reason to be excited in 2018

By Brad Berreman

BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Joe Amon-The Denver Post/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Joe Amon-The Denver Post/Getty Images /

Denver Broncos – Making the Case

Since Peyton Manning hit the wall in 2015, the Broncos have struggled to find consistent, or anything resembling high level, quarterback play. Former first-round pick Paxton Lynch doesn’t look like the answer, as he couldn’t even beat out Trevor Siemian for the starting job in either of the last two training camps.

Enter Case Keenum, who signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Broncos in March. He went 11-3 as the starter for the Minnesota Vikings last year, after Sam Bradford suffered another knee injury in Week 1.

Keenum had 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2017, while completing 67.6 percent of his passes (second in the league) with a 98.3 passer rating. Until further notice, the question will be if last year is a breakthrough or a career year for Keenum. During Minnesota’s two playoff games, some cracks started to show.

That said, Denver’s situation is very similar to the one Keenum succeeded in last year. One of the best defenses in the league? Check. One of the better wide receiver duos in the league? Check. A solid running back group? Check. The primary difference is Keenum is clearly the starter for the first time in his career.

Keenum doesn’t have to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league this year. But the prospect of better than “sub-optimal” play from the position is an automatic reason for the Broncos to be excited.

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