Broncos' Joseph: Keenum 'has to make more plays'

Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph is calling on quarterback Case Keenum to step up following Sunday's 20-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

"(Keenum) was a little cautious with the ball," Joseph said, according to Ryan O'Halloran of the Denver Post. "The bottom line, we have three weeks left to play. He has to make more plays."

Keenum, who recorded 10 interceptions in the first eight games of the season, has yet to throw one in the last five weeks. His numbers through the air have taken a hit, however, averaging 205.8 yards per contest over that span, a large drop-off compared to his 263.8 yards per game through the first eight weeks.

"Sometimes, taking some chances allows you to make more plays," Joseph said. "(There are) going to be turnovers. He can’t worry about that. You can’t play this game perfectly. I want Case to be more aggressive, especially down the seams of a (single-high safety) defense."

The 6-7 Broncos were riding a three-game winning streak prior to Sunday, and will now face off against the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers to end the season.

"Obviously, we have to win out," Joseph said. "It’s a must-win game on Saturday. It’s going to be a must-win game for the next three weeks. We understand that … We haven’t talked about it, but it’s been that way the last month-and-a-half."