
Staff
Sam Ekstrom
Sam Ekstrom is a Zone Coverage staff writer and podcaster in his sixth year covering the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team. After moving to the Twin Cities in 2014, Sam started working as a radio engineer, producer and host for "Sports Radio 105 The Ticket," where Zone Coverage was first formed. He grew up in Vermillion, S.D. rooting for the USD Coyotes (not SDSU) and graduated from Dordt (not "dork") University in Sioux Center, Iowa.
Vikings
Only Six Players Remain from the Minnesota Miracle Roster
By Sam Ekstrom - Mar 3, 2021
Change is inevitable in the NFL thanks to its hard salary cap, non-guaranteed contracts, and increasing lack of patience from front offices. Unsuccessful teams are getting dismantled […]
Vikings
Don’t Get Too Attached to Klint Kubiak
By Sam Ekstrom - Feb 8, 2021
Minnesota Vikings fans who have longed for continuity on the offensive side of the football can at least take solace in one thing this offseason: They’ll have […]
Vikings
What Could the Vikings Do If They Shed QB Money?
By Sam Ekstrom - Feb 5, 2021
After a two-decade-long dynasty, the New England Patriots used 2020 as a reset. Forging ahead without Tom Brady was never going to be easy, and the Pats […]
Vikings
FOOTBALL MACHINE: QB Trade Rumors, Super Bowl Jeopardy & Farewell
By Sam Ekstrom - Feb 3, 2021
Sam Ekstrom and Arif Hasan team up for their final Football Machine. As Sam moves on to a new opportunity, the Football Machine is appreciative for your […]
Vikings
Is Justin Jefferson’s “No Drops in 2021” Promise Realistic?
By Sam Ekstrom - Feb 3, 2021
Justin Jefferson wasn’t shy in setting lofty 2020 goals. The Minnesota Vikings’ first-round pick pledged to himself that he’d catch 60 balls for 1,000 yards and six […]
Vikings
Less is More For Dalvin Cook Going Forward
By Sam Ekstrom - Jan 28, 2021
Dalvin Cook proudly displayed his 2020 hardware on a Zoom call Wednesday with Twin Cities reporters. Not typically one to boast about individual accolades, Cook was happy […]
Vikings
Is Kyle Rudolph Signaling His Departure From Minnesota?
By Sam Ekstrom - Jan 27, 2021
Kyle Rudolph left didn’t mince words on a recent podcast appearance with former Minnesota Vikings linebacker and team broadcaster Ben Leber. He won’t take a pay cut. […]
Vikings
FOOTBALL MACHINE: LaFleur’s Decision, Rodgers’ Future & Rudolph’s Comments
By Sam Ekstrom - Jan 27, 2021
Sam Ekstrom and Arif Hasan are joined by Zone Coverage contributor Chris Schad to discuss the conference title games and the latest with the Vikings: -How bad […]
Vikings
Minnesota May Be the Only NFC North Team to Keep Their Quarterback
By Sam Ekstrom - Jan 25, 2021
A Minnesota Vikings fan could have woken up on Saturday morning, took inventory of the NFC North quarterback landscape, and arrived at the following conclusions: Aaron Rodgers […]
Gophers
The Gophers Finally Have an Adequate Bench
By Sam Ekstrom - Jan 22, 2021
It took all 20 Big Ten games in 2019-20 for the Golden Gophers to reach 150 bench points — total — in Big Ten play, and they […]
Vikings
Who Will Be the Vikings’ Backup Quarterback in 2021?
By Sam Ekstrom - Jan 21, 2021
For all the warts that critics lump on Kirk Cousins, the quarterback has held up his end of the bargain in at least one area during his […]
Vikings
FOOTBALL MACHINE: Playoff Talkers, Vikings Free Agent Watch, Ex-Viking Updates
By Sam Ekstrom - Jan 20, 2021
Sam Ekstrom and Arif Hasan discuss the latest with the Purple and the NFL playoffs: -What was compelling about the divisional round? -Who will neutral fans be […]