Preseason opener stokes backup QB duel
In his effort to give the reserve quarterbacks equal opportunity to earn the backup job behind Matt Schaub, Texans coach Gary Kubiak is expected to make Case Keenum the first off the bench in Saturday’s preseason game against Miami at Reliant Stadium.
T.J. Yates replaced Schaub in Friday’s 27-13 victory at Minnesota. Keenum was the third quarterback. All three played well, but Keenum’s performance has local fans demanding more of the second-year quarterback who spent his rookie season on the practice squad. Equal reps
“What I’m trying to do is get him and T.J. in the exact same situations with pretty much equal reps, so that’s something that may be a topic this week,” Kubiak said Saturday about bringing in Keenum before Yates against the Dolphins. “They’ll continue to play a great deal. It’s a very good battle going on.”
Playing for the first time since last preseason, Keenum looked comfortable and confident in Kubiak’s system.
“I thought there were things that went smoothly,” Keenum, 25, said. “The offensive line did a great job, especially helping us pick up third-and-short and keep the ball moving.
“There were some things I wish I had done better. I could have put the ball in better spots. There were some pre-snap things I could have done better. I almost got us a delay-ofgame penalty.”
After setting many NCAA passing records during his career at the University of Houston, Keenum (6-1, 206) has been forced to accept a new role. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad.
“It’s been a long process getting used to playing in the NFL and how to play the game on this level,” Keenum said.
Kubiak, offensive coordinator Rick Dennison and quarterbacks coach Karl Dorrell have to feel good about the three QBs.
Schaub, Yates, 26, and Keenum combined to go 31of-44 for 310 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings. They had a combined rating of 105.3 and didn’t commit a turnover.
Schaub was 5-for-5 for 54 yards in his one series, which ended with Randy Bullock’s 48-yard field goal.
Yates (6-4, 219) was 13of-21 for 151 yards, including a 34-yard TD pass to DeAndre Hopkins, who made a leaping catch in the end zone for the first Texans touchdown.
Keenum played at the start of the third quarter and didn’t leave until there was less than three minutes remaining, and Stephen McGee finished.
Keenum was 13-of-18 for 125 yards and a 2-yard TD pass to Lestar Jean.
The No. 2 job might not be determined until after the last preseason game Aug. 29 at Dallas. A long process
“They’re two good players, so it’s a nice problem for us,” Kubiak said. “Case has come a long way. That has nothing to do with T.J. not doing something. T.J. is having a good camp. He’s a better player than he was the last couple of years.
“It’s just a very competitive situation right now, and it’s going to make our team better. It’s making both of those guys better. There’s a lot of confidence with our team when they see either guy come in the huddle. That’s a big plus.”
Schaub said the difference in Keenum this season compared to his rookie season is like night and day.
“It’s confidence and the knowledge of what we’re doing,” Kubiak said. “He’s got a little swagger when he plays. That’s the way he played in college. As a coach, you call a bad play, and he makes it a good one.
“I’ve never seen a guy smile so much when he plays football. He’s having a good time. You can tell how far he’s come.”
Keenum has something that can’t be coached. Keenum’s instincts
“As a coach, you’re always looking for instincts in a quarterback,” Kubiak said. “You coach the game and tell them, ‘Throw it here,’ and ‘Throw it on time,’ but once the lights go on, probably half the game is played off schedule and played off rhythm.
“He’s kind of got that knack when things aren’t the way they’re supposed to be, he finds a way to make plays. He can really bail you out of some bad situations with his athletic ability.”
Keenum doesn’t overanalyze his instincts.
“A lot happens in the heat of battle, and you don’t even think about it,” Keenum said. john.mcclain@chron.com twitter.com/mcclain_on_nfl