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The New York Giants Defense Needs To Pressure Los Angeles Rams QB Case Keenum

By Christopher Schwarz

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) runs the ball against Detroit Lions outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) and middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) runs the ball against Detroit Lions outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) and middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants defense needs to dial up the pressure on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum. Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul should be able to notch up some sacks against Rams LT Greg Robinson.

The New York Giants face a somewhat puzzling team on Sunday in London. The 3-3 Los Angeles Rams have a solid defense and a streaky quarterback in Case Keenum.

At times, Keenum looks like more than just a placeholder for the first overall pick in the NFL Draft Jared Goff. In the past two games, Keenum has completed 76.2 percent of his passes and has thrown for 592 yards. Those stats rank him top-five in the NFL during that time period. The Rams lost both of those games, however.  In Week 6, Keenum threw for a franchise-record 19 consecutive completed passes.

Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

A breakdown of Keenum’s stats reveals that he’s a different quarterback when under pressure. According to NJ.com, “when he has 2.6 seconds or more to pass, he has the eighth-best QB rating in the league (106.4).” That bodes well for the Rams going into Sunday’s game.

The Giants are in a familiar situation ranking dead last in the NFL in sacks with just 6 after 6 games. Jerry Reese’s offseason spending spree included Olivier Vernon and re-signing Jason Pierre-Paul who are stuck with one sack a piece. At Twickenham Stadium, their fortunes may change, however.

Vernon/JPP vs. Robinson

The Rams are allowing 2.17 sacks per game and left tackle Greg Robinson has been struggling over the past few games. Head coach Jeff Fisher says he’s “not overly concerned”, but Robinson is the most penalized player on the Rams, just two shy of the league leaders.

The struggles for the Rams offensive line have affected Keenum’s play. When he has 2.5 seconds or less to throw, Keenum’s QB rating ranks 31st in the NFL. If Vernon or JPP can’t get to the quarterback early, Steve Spagnuolo needs to get the blitz going – anything to speed up Keenum’s internal clock.

Spags hasn’t been shy about blitzing the secondary and that should continue on Sunday. Spags needs to be mindful of wide receiver Kenny Britt if he starts blitzing corners and safeties though. Britt is coming off one of the best games of his career with 136 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns.

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