Rookie quarterback Kellen Mond became a topic of conversation last week when former head coach Mike Zimmer casually shot down any hope he had of playing in Week 18.
“Not particularly,” Zimmer responded, when asked if he wanted to get a look at Mond. “I see him every day.”
Per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press, Mond was unbothered by Zimmer’s comments after the team’s 37-10 loss on the road to the Green Bay Packers.
“They didn’t bother him at all. Kellen’s got thick skin,” said the source in Tomasson’s post.
Zimmer actually clarified his comments ahead of the season finale against the Chicago Bears. He admitted the timing of the question didn’t help with the team coming off a loss that essentially ended their postseason hopes.
There’s also the fact that Mond was the third-string quarterback behind Kirk Cousins and Sean Mannion. With Zimmer opting to play the starters in Week 18, there would have been no reason for Mond to get reps on the field. Whether people believe that was the right decision or not is entirely subjective.
You also have to wonder if Zimmer could feel the walls closing in at that point. He was out of the playoffs for a second consecutive season, and the rumor mill was buzzing about his job status. It’s a tough time to be answering tough questions.
In any case, it’ll be a fresh start for Mond and the rest of the Vikings organization as they welcome a new head coach and general manager in 2022.
