Vikings news: Case Keenum joins Troy Aikman with remarkable career turnaround

The Minnesota Vikings may have found a solid option at the quarterback position with Case Keenum who has joined Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman on the same career path.

The Minnesota Vikings are just a win away from making their first Super Bowl appearance in more than 40 years.

This has been with longtime backup quarterback Case Keenum leading the charge under center for nearly the entire 2017 season. Keenum's remarkable campaign has also seen him join Hall of Famer Troy Aikman in a unique category in NFL history.

Case Keenum started his career 0-8.

He's the 2nd QB in the Super Bowl Era who

– started his career 0-8 as a starter
– reached the Conference Championship

Other: Troy Aikman

via @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/DtUwGTSgMD

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 19, 2018

In Aikman's situation, he was able to get the job done in his first NFC Championship Game appearance in the 1992 season, which was the first of three Super Bowl wins over a four-year span. Keenum isn't nearly the talent that Aikman was, but it does bode well to be in the same company as a Hall of Famer.

Keenum has got a firm grip on the starting job behind his strong play this season putting up career-best numbers across the board throwing for 3,547 yards on a 67.6 percent completion rate with 22 touchdown passes to seven interceptions. He finished second in the league in completion percentage and seventh with a 98.3 passer rating.

The 29-year-old threw multiple touchdown passes on seven occasions while holding a passer rating above 100 eight times. He was quite productive in the divisional round win against the New Orleans Saints completing 25-of-40 passes for 318 yards with a touchdown and an interception. This included the game-winning touchdown on a 61-yard connection with wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

This type of production and success has pushed forward the conversation that the Vikings may be in the position to place the franchise tag on him in the offseason or work out a lucrative multi-year deal. In any instance, he will be in line to get a huge pay raise by Minnesota or another organization.

In the meantime, the focus will be on the difficult task that lies in front of them on the road against the Eagles. Keenum will once again be expected to take a huge role to help lead the way with his arm. Although Philadelphia finished 17th in passing situations, their secondary was one of the most optimistic being tied for fourth with 19 interceptions while opposing quarterbacks hold a 79.5 passer rating.