Hasselbeck: Keenum ‘can absolutely play,’ Broncos QB can get it fixed

After a stellar 2017 season with the Minnesota Vikings, things regressed back to the mean for Case Keenum in 2018.

But, ESPN NFL analyst Matt Hasselbeck told “Schlereth and Evans” on Friday that he believes that 2017 production still lies somewhere within Keenum.

“Case Keenum can absolutely play football,” Hasselbeck said.

Hasselbeck pointed to the dynamic of Keenum going from never having had a big contract before to, all of a sudden, getting one with the Broncos, and that may have caused him to press a bit.

“You feel like you’ve got to do like a little bit more than you’ve done your whole career,” Hasselbeck said. “I think Case Keenum as actually played a lot better with sort of — a little bit like the Philadelphia Eagles did last year — a chip on his shoulder, something to prove.”

Keenum’s relationship to then-Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur played a large role in the quarterback’s success, Hasselbeck said, and the “Broncos struggled more than I expected them to with that this year.”

But, Hasselbeck said of Keenum’s trajectory in Denver: “I think it can get fixed.”

One thing going for him, Hasselbeck said, is the hire of offensive line coach Mike Munchak, who will likely improve the Broncos pass protection game in 2019.

“I don’t care who you are as a quarterback, if you can step into your throws, you can be a much better quarterback than people think you are,” Hasselbeck said.

Also in Keenum’s corner, new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello, who make take a liking to the quarterback, according to The Athletic 49ers beat reporter Matt Barrows.

“I think Scangarello is going to like having Case Keenum,” Barrows told “Stokley and Zach” on Friday.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.