Stokley says Broncos need to keep open mind if Keenum doesn’t improve

Sep 18, 2018, 5:13 PM

Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos looks downfield in the first quarter of a game against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

No, Brandon Stokley has not called for Case Keenum’s job. But if the Denver Broncos quarterback doesn’t improve, the “Stokley and Zach” co-host reiterated on Tuesday, replacing Keenum has to be an option.

After a performance in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks that saw Keenum throw three picks to go along with three touchdowns, Stokley tweeted if the quarterback and the offense didn’t improve Chad Kelly should be a legitimate option for the Broncos.

Seriously if this offense and Keemun don’t get better and more efficient Swag Kelly is an option. I’m not saying right now but Keemun has got to be better and he’s got to take care of the ball. You can’t turn the ball over #Broncos #SEAvsDEN

— Brandon Stokley (@bstokley14) September 9, 2018

And after the first half Sunday, wherein Keenum went 5-for-11 for just 38 yards and a pick, Stokley reiterated the point via Twitter.

Embarrassing first half. I stick by my tweet last week when it comes to the QB. Keenum needs to play better or Kelly is a legitimate option. No excuse for what I’m watching.

— Brandon Stokley (@bstokley14) September 16, 2018

On Tuesday, Stokley defended the tweets, saying he’s not calling for Keenum’s job but there has to be an improvement from the quarterback and the offense as a whole.

“I didn’t say it was time to move Chad Kelly in to be the starting quarterback and let’s bench Case Keenum. That’s not what I was saying,” Stokley said. “All I was saying was I’m preparing for that. I’m not going to wait 16 games and let this thing play out like we did with Trevor Siemian did last year.”

Through two games, Keenum is tied for the most interceptions in the league with four, more than half of the seven he threw in 2017. And his 73.6 passer rating ranks as the fifth-lowest in the league.

“I’m expecting better from him. I’m expecting more from him. And if I’m seeing the turning over of the football and the lack of recognition of where the defense is, then you have to be open-minded to look at another option,” Stokley said.

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