Watch: Kellen Mond’s Performance vs. Raiders
Dustin Baker
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kellen Mond played about half of the team’s first preseason game versus the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Mond delivered an 87.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, the second-highest of any NFL quarterback in Week 1 of the preseason.
Mond’s teammate, Sean Mannion, graded a 52.9, per PFF.
The two passers are locked in a battle for the Vikings QB2 job behind Kirk Cousins, who missed the Raiders game due to COVID, his second encounter with the virus in eight months. And on the Vikings first unofficial depth chart released last week, Mond and Mannion are listed as “co-QB2s.”
Mond visibly outplayed Mannion, albeit in a single preseason game. Here are some of the highlights as Mond completed nine passes on 14 attempts for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Not bad.
The Texas A&M alumnus certainly wasn’t perfect, taking a few snaps to get going — part of the drill for a developmental quarterback. But when he settled, Mond tossed a crisp touchdown to his evidently-favorite target Albert Wilson, who grabbed both Mond touchdowns out of the sky.
Before that play, though, Mond showcased the stereotypical version of his skillset, orchestrating a Mahomesian dance away from multiple defenders — but totally missing on a would-be touchdown.
If Mond wants to become a starter or Pro Bowl quarterback, he must convert such plays.
Later on, Mond found Wilson again for his second score, highlighting his best throw and play of the afternoon.
Also in the 4th Quarter, the second-year QB lofted a pass to Myron Mitchell, who made an even better catch.
Overall, Wilson is Mond’s target of choice as the two hooked up for this play at training camp earlier in August.
The Vikings next preseason game is Saturday at home against the San Francisco 49ers. It is unclear if Cousins and the starters will play or fully adopt the Los Angeles Rams philosophy of resting starters for the entirety of preseason. Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell last worked for those same Rams, and Los Angeles won a Super Bowl in 2021, so the strategy isn’t foolish.
Regardless, Mond will again see ample playing time versus the 49ers — this time perhaps considered the bonafide frontrunner for QB2.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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