Case Keenum running the Rams offense so far in camp
IRVINE, Calif. — Jared Goff draws most of the attention from Rams fans in training camp.
But right now Case Keenum runs the offense.
While Goff had a crowd of more than 2,000 fans groaning when he fumbled the snap from under center and cheering on a long touchdown pass to undrafted rookie wide receiver Nelson Spruce, Keenum steadily took the starters through the Rams' first full practice in pads at UC Irvine on Tuesday.
That's what the Rams hoped would happen when selecting Keenum as the starter before organized team activities. That decision allowed the quarterback entering his fifth season in the NFL to oversee the offense's development in the spring and summer while giving the No. 1 overall draft pick Goff time to get settled.
"When I'm at quarterback, I'm running the show," Keenum said. "It's my huddle, it's my squad, it's my offense and I am taking ownership of it."
Keenum's role was evident over the weekend when starting receivers Tavon Austin (cramps) and Kenny Britt (excused absence) were unavailable, leaving a group of largely unknown players available at the position.
With rookie Pharoh Cooper held out because of a minor quadriceps injury, the Rams signed Austin Hill and David Richards on Tuesday, adding the pair of undrafted former Arizona standouts to a roster that now includes seven players in their first or second year as professionals.
Britt is the lone receiver on the roster with more than five seasons of experience, while Austin and Brian Quick are the only Rams wideouts that were drafted in the first three rounds.
Coach Jeff Fisher touted the group's potential, noting they would be hard to distinguish by switching jersey numbers.
"They're all tall and can make plays and elevate and make catches," Fisher said. "You're going to get to know them, especially in the preseason."
"We're trying to build up and down the depth chart because two days ago we were down two receivers and we had some new faces in there," Keenum said. "It doesn't matter who you plug in at quarterback, it doesn't matter who you plug in at receiver, you are expected to produce."
Statistical production was modest as Keenum started the final four games of the St. Louis Rams era, though he did throw three of the team's 11 total touchdown passes for the entire season during that stint.
However, when combined with the output of running back Todd Gurley and a strong defense, it was enough for the Rams to win three games in that span.
The same grinding style is expected whether Keenum or Goff starts the season opener. It could be even more necessary given the uncertainty at receiver.
However, the focus will inevitably remain on Goff, prompting Fisher to joke that he would open every post-practice interview with a breakdown of the former California star's performance that day.
"And then we'll go on to other things. How's that?" Fisher said.
That quip didn't keep Fisher from noting Keenum's seemingly overlooked role.
"He does all the little subtle things you need to do as a quarterback," Fisher said. "He has had a great offseason."
Said Keenum: "I'm doing my job."
