Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Case Keenum remains very optimistic going forward despite his team having their eight-game winning streak snapped on Sunday afternoon in a close 31-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press:

“I’m disappointed in (Sunday), but I’m not despaired,” Keenum said. “And I think everybody in this locker room is ready to start another (streak).”

Although Minnesota's offensive line is a little banged up and gave up a whopping six sacks on Sunday, Keenum was responsible for three Vikings turnovers after throwing two picks and losing a fumble.

During a press conference on Monday afternoon, head coach Mike Zimmer shut down rumors brought up by the media regarding a possible change at quarterback from Keenum to Teddy Bridgewater.

“You guys keep asking me this and I've never said Sam Bradford's our starter for the season, I've never said Joe Berger is our starter for the season, I've never said Pat Elflein was our starter for the season. So I'm not going to say it. Clear enough? Is it clear enough? I already said that, didn't I? Well thank you, now we've clarified it.”

Zimmer complimented Keenum's play despite some of his struggles.

“He did some really good things and he did some poor things. I thought he made some really, really good plays on a couple third downs but he made a couple bad throws.”

While Minnesota's quarterback future is not set in stone for next year with Keenum and Bridgewater both scheduled to become free agents, Keenum's 8-3 record as the team's starting quarterback has earned him the opportunity to lead the Vikings for the rest of this season. On the year, Keenum has passed for 2,938 yards with 18 touchdowns and only seven interceptions (96.2 rating).

Up next, the Vikings host Zimmer's former team in the Cincinnati Bengals. If they take care of business at home against Cincinnati, Minnesota will clinch the NFC North division title in wake of Green Bay Packers superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers' pending return from injury for the Week 16 showdown with the Vikings at Lambeau Field.