Mike Zimmer absolutely buried Kellen Mond with one of the coldest comments ever
By Scott Rogust
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer did not exactly provide a glowing review of rookie quarterback Kellen Mond.
The Minnesota Vikings were at a massive disadvantage entering their Week 17 rivalry game against the Green Bay Packers, as quarterback Kirk Cousins was ruled out after he tested positive for COVID-19. The Vikings went with backup Sean Mannion to start over rookie third-round selection, Kellen Mond. Mannion did not do much in the start, as the Vikings lost 37-10 to get eliminated from playoff contention.
Following the game, head coach Mike Zimmer was asked if he would consider starting Monday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears, considering the rookie entered the game late in Green Bay. Zimmer gave a rather blunt answer, if we are being quite honest.
"Do you want to see Kellen Mond next week?"
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) January 3, 2022
"Not particularly."
Mike Zimmer is stone cold pic.twitter.com/KI1usresi7
Mike Zimmer not exactly raving about Kellen Mond.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) January 3, 2022
Does Zimmer want to see Mond play next week?
Zimmer: “Not particularly.”
Why not?
Zimmer: “I see him everyday.”
Vikings: Mike Zimmer throws cold water on Kellen Mond starting in Week 18
Not a glowing endorsement of Mond by Zimmer.
On Sunday night, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeted that the Vikings internally considered starting Mond against the Packers, but opted to go with their plan of letting him sit and develop. Between that and Mannion previously starting for Minnesota back in 2019, that is why the decision was made.
The Vikings internally discussed playing rookie Kellen Mond tonight but opted for experience (Mannion started with Vikings in 2019) and following the plan from when team drafted Mond: Let him develop. Team keenly aware of how badly even top picks have struggled at QB this year.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 3, 2022
With Mannion under center for the Vikings, the offense could not get anything going. The Packers dominated the time of possession, logging over 38-minutes. That, and Green Bay made Mannion throw the ball, as they limited running back Dalvin Cook to 13 yards on nine carries. As a result of the loss, the Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention, allowing the Philadelphia Eagles to clinch a Wild Card berth.
Mannion completed 22-of-36 pass attempts for 189 yards and one touchdown.
Mond did enter late in the fourth quarter on the team’s second-to-last drive, where he completed two of his three throws for five yards. Mannion returned for the final drive.
It will remain to be seen who will get the start for Minnesota in Week 18. It could be Cousins if he is activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list. If that does not happen, expect another week of Mannion, based off Zimmer’s comments on Mond.
Next. Eagles can thank Packers for punching their ticket to the playoffs. dark