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.
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Vikings
The Vikings Will Have Trouble Replacing Michael Pierce If His Injury Persists
By Sam Ekstrom - Jul 21, 2021
The sunny outlook for the Minnesota Vikings’ defense had a cloud cast over it Monday when Ian Rapoport reported that nose tackle Michael Pierce injured his calf […]
Vikings
The Most Interesting Vikings Player In Each Position Group
By Sam Ekstrom - Jul 14, 2021
The Vikings play preseason football on Aug. 14, one month from the date of this publication. Crazy, right? The time is quickly approaching to get familiar with […]
Vikings
Revisiting the 2011 Vikings Debacle
By Sam Ekstrom - Jun 30, 2021
No matter what issues you believe are ailing the 2021 Minnesota Vikings, it’s unlikely they stack up with the calamities that plagued the team a decade ago. […]
Vikings
These Vikings Rookies Were Prevented From Getting Key Reps in Offseason Practices
By Sam Ekstrom - Jun 22, 2021
Mini-camp is over, training camp is on the horizon, and yet we still don’t know as much about the Minnesota Vikings’ rookie class as we should. The […]
Vikings
Sheldon Richardson Is a Perfect Fit as a Non-Starter
By Sam Ekstrom - Jun 16, 2021
Three years ago, Sheldon Richardson was a pricey final piece added to a defense that was already one of the league’s best. His salary will look different […]
Vikings
Can Cameron Smith Be More Than Just a Feel-Good Story?
By Sam Ekstrom - Jun 2, 2021
There was an unfamiliar number running around with the linebackers last week at Vikings OTAs, a No. 32 mixed in with the familiar 40s and 50s. Don’t […]
Vikings
The Vikings Should Give the Reins to Their Rookie OLs
By Sam Ekstrom - May 26, 2021
On Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Vikings will practice for the first time as a full team in front of reporters this season. It’s their first opportunity to […]
Vikings
The Vikings Need to Take Their Safety Depth Seriously in 2021
By Sam Ekstrom - May 19, 2021
As bad as things got in the Minnesota Vikings’ secondary last year, they probably could’ve gotten worse. To review: Injuries promptly and thoroughly decimated Minnesota’s already-thin corner […]
Vikings
The Case For Jadeveon Clowney
By Sam Ekstrom - Mar 24, 2021
Here are some things we know about the Minnesota Vikings in free agency so far. 1) They’ve been more than willing to give generous, short-term deals to […]
Vikings
Last Year’s Saints Embarrassment Had a Big Effect on Minnesota’s Offseason Approach
By Sam Ekstrom - Mar 17, 2021
The Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints have faced off four seasons in a row now. And as we’ve seen in the past, that particular matchup can […]
Vikings
Would the Vikings Let Beebe, Odenigbo, and Boone Walk?
By Sam Ekstrom - Mar 10, 2021
Restricted free agency is the NFL’s way of giving teams an option to hang on to some of their prized developmental assets. The Vikings have decisions coming […]
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 […]