2012-2016- The Fisher Era

Will Jeff Fisher’s doubling down on Case Keenum put his job on the line?

Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher watches his players during the warm-up before an NFL football game against New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

Shortly after Case Keenum threw four interceptions in the Los Angeles Rams’ 17-10 loss to the New York Giants in their Week 7 showdown in London, head coach Jeff Fisher addressed numerous questions by the media regarding the team’s quarterback situation. The calls for rookie Jared Goff to get playing time have risen dramatically amid Keenum’s struggles.

Despite the notion this week Jared Goff would get more reps with the first team, Fisher quickly squashed any idea that his young rookie would replace Keenum.

“Jared’s going to play when we feel Jared’s ready. Had we won this game you wouldn’t be asking about Jared,” Fisher said. “We didn’t lose this game because of the quarterback play. We lost it because of some other positions.”

Fisher clearly believes that Keenum has not played poorly enough to warrant a Goff’s promotion to starter. The bye week was the perfect time to hand the reins to the offense to Goff. Instead, Fisher believes that the 3-4 Rams by can stay in the NFC playoff picture by keeping Keenum in at starting quarterback, given that they play four sub .500 teams in a row: the 2-5 Panthers, the 3-5 Jets, the 3-4 Dolphins, and the 3-4 Saints.

If the Rams and Keenum continue to struggle and fall out of the NFC playoff picture, then Goff should make his NFL debut. If the Rams are not going to go anywhere this season, why not have the former California standout finally get the chance to develop as an NFL quarterback?

Looking at how the Seahawks are beginning to take control of the NFC West, coupled with the strength of teams in the NFC North and East, it is hard to see where the Rams can go 7-2 to get to 10-6; a record most likely needed to clinch a playoff spot in the NFC this season. Fisher has to look at this team with brutal honesty and see that they are not going anywhere. By doubling down on Keenum, Fisher’s job has to be on the line given what the Rams traded away to put Goff on the bench in his rookie season.

Sources: Michael David Smith, NBC Pro Football Talk, NFL.com, Paul Kuharsky, ESPN.com

Martin Cruz is a staff writer for Rams Talk. You can follow him on Twitter with the username @MCruz1988.

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