It has only been two games, but Case Keenum is starting to look like the future of the Houston Texans.
Sure, Keenum is 0-2 for his professional career so far, but his stats are what have been impressive thus far against two top defenses in the Chiefs and Colts. Not to mention the former University of Houston star has put a spark back into a team that often looked deflated and defeated just a few weeks back.
Before head coach Gary Kubiak collapsed while heading into the locker room at halftime, the Texans had new life, an 18-point lead against the division-leading Colts, and something they haven't had in several weeks with Matt Schaub under center --a confident quarterback.
Unfortunately, the Texans didn't quite have the same energy with Kubiak's absence in the second half as Andrew Luck led the Colts back for the 27-24 win.
The Texans' record now sits at 2-6 after losing six straight since starting the year at 2-0 and their playoff window has quickly slammed shut, but Keenum's two outstanding performances has Houston fans excited despite what is likely now a lost season.
Unlike Schaub this season, Keenum seems to have no problem slinging the ball down field; two of the three touchdowns thrown Sunday night to Andre Johnson --the receiver's first three touchdowns of the season-- went for 62 and 41 yards. Schaub in six games had only one completion of more than 40 yards.
Keenum has also shown the ability to escape pressure with his feet, he was sacked only once against the Colts and was able to extended several plays that otherwise would have been a loss of yards.
Keenum may or may not be the long-term answer at quarterback in Houston, but he has at least deserved the shot to finish out the season.
Schaub has shown flashes of greatness in his career, and that could return in time, but he has had six seasons to lead the Texans to a championship and only has one playoff win to show for it. Now it is time to see what the younger arm can do with the reigns in his hands.
Who knows? We could be seeing the next Tom Brady or Tony Romo emerging in the undrafted, second-year quarterback; only time, and more starts, will tell if Keenum is the answer.
Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey
