ATLANTA — Quarterback Case Keenum finished the Vikings' 14-9 win against the Falcons with 15 consecutive completions — three to convert critical third downs.
He'll also keep his starting job for next week against the Panthers, according to coach Mike Zimmer.
"He is making the plays he needs to make and not trying to overdo things," Zimmer said of Keenum. "Sometimes, like in the Washington game, he tried to do things and make some plays he shouldn't have really tried to make and he is staying within himself."
Keenum completed all of his 13 attempts in the second half for a conservative Vikings' passing game that didn't see a receiver gain more than 20 yards until the final minutes ticked away. He finished throwing 25 of 30 for 227 yards and two touchdowns.
"We had a lot of great play calls," Keenum said. "I thought Pat (Shurmur) did a great job of calling the game. Guys making plays and getting open. The whole game I thought they did a great job. We missed on a few early that could've led to some points, but we fought hard."
Keenum was referring to two catches ruled out of bounds, one apiece by receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Both first-half grabs were ruled incomplete since each receiver had a toe or two out of bounds.
The Vikings emphasized the run, converting through the air afterward. Keenum found Jerick McKinnon for a 2-yard touchdown after four straight runs. Then Keenum executed the play-action and found a wide-open Kyle Rudolph for a 6-yard touchdown.
"Anytime you get that wide open, it seems like the ball is in the air forever," Rudolph said. "But Case made a great throw and put it high where only I could catch it."
