What to Expect When You’re Expecting Kellen Clemens

Aug 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) passes the ball in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

At the beginning of the season a date with St. Louis on the road looked like a tough game. It made sense that this type of game would be featured on Monday Night Football as it pitted two tough defenses against each other with the favored Seahawks entering a hostile environment. As the season has progressed the equation has changed a little bit. While the Rams aren’t entirely buried at 3-4, it’s pretty clear that this game doesn’t have much in the way of playoff implications for them. The fact of the matter is that the Rams are unlikely to rally and grab a wildcard spot, partly because they probably are just a little short on talent, but primarily because they’ve lost Sam Bradford. Now, you could have a robust debate on how good a quarterback Sam Bradford is (and I’ve been involved in many such debates) but the Rams just aren’t going anywhere without him.

In Bradford’s absence the Rams have turned the keys over to veteran backup Kellen Clemens, at least for now. Even though he is 30 years old, most people likely still remember Clemens as a guy who the Jets thought might be the quarterback of the future. The years crept by and although he got a bit of a chance in 2007 (8 starts) he never really made his mark. So the question is, who exactly are the Seahawks up against here. Unfortunately for Mr. Clemens his career numbers speak for themselves:

382

51.8%

2290

6.0

7

13

62.2

There really is nothing in the numbers that screams capable quarterback. The sample size is admittedly small, and Clemens hasn’t played for the best teams, but there just isn’t any reason to believe he is a dangerous opponent. The picture comes into focus even more looking at some of the more advanced statistics. Keep in mind for all the statistics below a score of 100 would represent league average:

Yards Per Attempt+

Touchdown%+

Interceptions%+

Sack%+

Passer Rating+

70

82

77

96

77

75

The Rams quarterback approaches adequacy when it comes to keeping the ball out of the hands of opposing defensive backs, but that’s about it. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe his career stats as woeful at this point.

I think on Monday the Seahawks are going to see a conservative and ultimately ineffective quarterback in Kellen Clemens. I think it’s pretty clear the Rams think so too. Reports coming out today indicate that they’ve contacted Brett Favre about coming out of retirement to lead this team. When a team is actively considering using a 44 year old quarterback you know that they are as desperate as it gets. The St. Louis Rams are right to be desperate because there is no way Kellen Clemens is the answer. I’m sure the Legion of Boom are couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to make that all too clear to them.