NFL

The 5 Most Efficient Red-Zone Quarterbacks in 2017

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Case Keenum, Minnesota Vikings

Passing NEP Per Drop Back – 0.42

Prior to 2017, everyone in the football community thought we pretty much knew what Case Keenum was, and that was a journeyman backup. But he had himself a monster season, ranking in the top 10 in passer rating (98.3), adjusted yards per attempt (7.63) and completion percentage (67.6 percent) as he helped the Minnesota Vikings make it all the way to the NFC title game.

Keenum led the league in terms of red-zone passing Success Rate -- the percentage of his drop backs that resulted in positive NEP -- with a clip of 53.70%. He threw 17 touchdowns to zero interceptions inside the 20 and was sacked only twice. Eighteen other quarterbacks attempted more passes than Keenum’s 52 inside the red zone, but only two managed a higher red-zone touchdown rate than the 32.69% clip that Keenum posted.

Keenum had his big year at the right time as he's headed to free agency, but even the Vikings seem to have their doubts as to whether a repeat performance is likely to happen. Time will tell whether Keenum can maintain that level of play, but he may have to try to do so in another uniform.