We (probably) owe Mike Zimmer another apology

Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was proven right once again following the performance from Cleveland Browns quarterback Kellen Mond on Thursday.

After an abysmal 37-10 loss on the road to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 of the 2021 season, former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer unenthusiastically stepped up to the podium for his mandatory post-game press conference with the local Twin Cities media.

With the loss to the Packers knocking the Vikings out of playoff contention, Zimmer was asked if he wanted to use the final game of the regular season to give rookie quarterback Kellen Mond some significant playing time. As was the case during most of his Minnesota tenure, Zimmer didn't hold back with his response.

Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer vindicated again after Kellen Mond has a poor showing for the Cleveland Browns

Following his comments about Mond after the loss in Green Bay, Zimmer was ridiculed by Vikings fans for being too harsh and not caring about the franchise's future.

But it's clear that the former Minnesota head coach knew Mond wasn't anywhere close to being ready to play in a regular season game, so he just told the truth, whether people liked it or not.

Zimmer's thoughts about Mond were proven to be right again this past Thursday when the former Vikings quarterback started under center for the Cleveland Browns in an exhibition matchup with the New York Jets for this year's Hall of Fame Game.

During two quarters of play, Mond completed 13 of his 19 pass attempts for 92 yards (4.8 yards per attempt), one touchdown, and one interception, which resulted in a 74.9 passer rating. These numbers don't seem too terrible, but his play against the Jets also earned him an abysmal 36.0 offensive grade from PFF.

There are currently four quarterbacks on the Browns' roster, and after Thursday, Mond's chances of remaining on the team don't seem very high. If Cleveland cuts him before the start of the regular season, that would mean that three different coaching staffs have decided against giving him any sort of significant role on their team's roster.

During his entire coaching career, Zimmer was never one to shy away from speaking the truth, whether people liked it or not. After that loss to the Packers in 2021, he shared his true thoughts about playing Mond, and almost two years later, he is still right about the young quarterback.