There is a lot to be excited for in the upcoming season for the Minnesota Vikings. Expectations are certainly high for because of their new coach and scheme. Successes include the WR room as well as cornerbacks Cam Dantzler and Andrew Booth Jr. Though there are issues among the offensive line and depth concerns among TEs, how are the backup QBs faring? Not great it seems.
Kellen Mond, who dropped another snap today, works with third-team center Josh Sokol after practice. pic.twitter.com/4YYZzZgCHr
— Judd Zulgad (@jzulgad) August 5, 2022
Many were hoping this would be Kellen Mond’s opportunity to overtake the QB2 slot behind Kirk Cousins, but Mond still has yet to shine. Crediting him with multiple drops, difficulty with his decision making, and generally looking lost on the field, his progress is lacking to say the least. While there is still the preseason to judge his adequacy under center, the Vikings need to look for other options to back up Cousins.
Mannion can’t be QB2
In his lone start for the Vikings this past season, Sean Mannion proved that he is not able to give Minnesota a chance to win when Cousins is out. In the week 17 game against Green Bay, Mannion recorded 189 yards and 1 touchdown. Granted, it may be against the Packers, but there are enough difference makers on the offense to at least make the game competitive.
Mannion is on the team mostly to serve a quasi-coaching role, as he has familiarity with the McVay schemes in his previous seasons in Los Angeles. His presence on the team should not make the QB2 slot a competition and yet it seemingly is as Mond struggles to adjust to the NFL tempo. Minnesota needs to look elsewhere in case Cousins can’t play, and I would suggest a trade with Philadelphia.
Minshew Mania in Minneapolis
Though he isn’t as young as he once was, at 26, Gardner Minshew could bring to Minnesota exactly what is needed: a competitive edge. Minshew has made it known that he is always striving to become the starter wherever he plays, and that drive can keep teams afloat.
In both games where Minshew played a significant role, he lead his team to average 214 yards a game and two touchdowns. On an Eagles squad that struggled in more ways than one last year? Give me Minshew on a Vikings squad ready to win, and he will look like a top 10 QB.
Gardner Minshew should be a starting QB in the league.
Minshew in JAX
63% cmp.
240 YPG
4.6 TD%
1.4 INT%
93.1 Rating37TD – 11INT
Chark, Shenault & Westbrook missed a combined 21 games during his starts. https://t.co/N74GLsZGCz
— Cassidy Ace (The Honest Cowboy) (@cassidyace89) August 4, 2022
