Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans expressed his lack of surprise at the impressive performance of backup quarterback Case Keenum, who stepped in for the absent rookie sensation C.J. Stroud. Despite Stroud’s absence, Keenum delivered a standout performance, guiding the Texans to a 19-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans with 229 passing yards, including a crucial touchdown.
Following the game, Coach Ryans commended Keenum, acknowledging his ability to rise to the occasion. Ryans noted, “Case stepped up for us. It wasn’t too big for him,” as reported by KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson.
Keenum, currently in his 12th season, faced the challenge of replacing Stroud after going undrafted despite a noteworthy college career. With no prior action throughout the season, the 35-year-old initially shook off the rust, encountering a setback in the second quarter when his attempt to connect with running back Dare Ogunbowale resulted in a pick-six by Titans cornerback Elijah Molden. By halftime, the Texans trailed 13-3.
Despite the halftime deficit, the Texans staged a comeback, with Keenum displaying resilience and experience. A pivotal moment occurred when Keenum successfully connected a risky pass to Dalton Schultz, positioning the Texans on the three-yard line. This set the stage for Keenum to find Noah Brown for the game-tying touchdown.
In overtime, a potential touchdown by Devin Singletary was nullified due to a holding call. Ultimately, placekicker Ka’imi Fairbairn secured the victory with a 54-yard field goal, his fourth of the night.
The Texans, facing additional injuries to four players besides Stroud, demonstrated a collective effort to secure the win. Keenum’s noteworthy performance on Sunday raises the possibility of him seeing more playing time in the future, showcasing the value of his experience and ability to contribute to the team’s success.
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