Pritchard: Case Keenum needs fast start as Broncos take on Bears

After a slow start in Saturday’s preseason debut against the Minnesota Vikings, the Denver Broncos have placed an emphasis on starting faster.

Following the final training camp practice on Thursday, head coach Vance Joseph said it’s important for the team to “create an environment that pushes guys to start faster.”

And in Saturday’s second preseason game, Broncos starting quarterback Case Keenum may be the most in need of a fast start Saturday against the Chicago Bears, said “Pritchard and Cecil” co-host Mike Pritchard on Thursday.

“The Broncos need him to start fast,” Pritchard said of Keenum, who went 1-of-4 for just five yards against the Vikings. “If anything, you’re trying to set a tone and you’re trying to change the culture and create a sense of urgency. And Case Keenum’s capable of doing that.”

In 2017, the Broncos averaged the most yards gained in the first quarter (6.66 yards per play) than any other quarter but had the fewest touchdowns with just five.

But, perhaps more important, Keenum needs to start fast because he’ll be compared not only to fellow offseason free agent Kirk Cousins, who had a near perfect start for Minnesota last weekend, but also Bears second-year quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

“The comparisons, whether Case Keenum likes them or not, the comparisons of the situation between him and Kirk Cousins is going to keep going,” Pritchard said. “Now you have Trubisky, a young player drafted very high. And if he outshines you on the road, then I think people are going to start wondering are you the right person for the job?

“Can you handle being the starting quarterback here in Denver?”

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