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Judd Zulgad

@jzulgad.bsky.social

2.2K followers 49 following 654 posts

Part of the SKOR North podcast team producing Purple Daily, SKOR North Twins Show, Judd's Hockey Show and Flagrant Howls. I might be forgetting a few. Also avid collector of sports bobbleheads. Check out my Substack page at juddzulgad.substack.com

Posts Replies Media

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 12h

The Vikings have yet to lose a game but the angst at U.S. Bank Stadium was high on Sunday. On a 4-0 start that has few happy. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/perfectly-...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Perfectly flawed: The Vikings improve to 4-0 but offense hears boos as struggles continue

Kyler Murray looked better in the fourth quarter, but the quarterback and the entire offense was underwhelming for much of Sunday’s game against the woeful Dolphins.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

The latest on the Wild/NHL and Comcast's impasse as well as where things stand with DirecTV. Free for all. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/wild-remai...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Wild+ remains absent from Comcast as impasse continues

The Wild want their games on the cable giant, but a club official says Comcast wants to put the team on a higher-priced tier than other sprots networks.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

It took nearly 50 years, but the Gophers finally beat Michigan at home. Unlocked for all to read. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/reason-to-...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Reason to celebrate: Gophers finally beat Michigan at home to capture Little Brown Jug

It had been almost 50 years since Minnesota defeated the Wolverines at home.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Kyler Murray has played only one full game as the Vikings' quarterback, but there is an urgency for the offense to get going. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/times-a-wa...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Time's a-wastin’: Vikings off to perfect start but have to get Kyler Murray and offense on track

Coach Kevin O’Connell is looking for more consistency from his new quarterback and the entire offense after a rough performance against Tampa Bay.

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Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

On the beginning of the Wild season and the loss of Brock Faber. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/enthusiasm...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Enthusiasm surrounding Wild’s season is dampened by loss of Brock Faber

The standout defenseman -- and Quinn Hughes’ partner on the blue line -- likely will be out for multiple months after suffering a fractured skull.

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Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Vikings GM Nolan Teasley had some interesting comments on Monday after the J.J. McCarthy trade. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/could-viki...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Could Vikings be on the lookout to add help at the quarterback position?

The Vikings (3-0) have one of the NFL’s top defenses, but their offense has been among the worst in the league, and Kyler Murray’s play on Sunday didn’t help matters.

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Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

On J.J. McCarthy's departure from the Vikings and how something that seemed so right went so wrong. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/giant-mist...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Giant mistake: J.J. McCarthy was supposed to be the Vikings’ answer at QB, so what happened?

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and McCarthy were supposed to be a long-term pairing in Minnesota. Instead, after only 10 starts, the 10th pick in the 2024 draft was traded to the Giants on Monday.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

On the 3-0 Vikings and an offense that needs to do far more. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-re...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Vikings remain perfect, but Kevin O’Connell knows offense needs ‘to get a lot better’

In his first full game since last October, Kyler Murray looked rusty and the offense was too often ineffective. Fortunately for the Vikings, defense and special teams saved the day.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

The Twins will close the season on Sunday with a young team that has promise. As far as when we will see them again ... juddzulgad.substack.com/p/twins-yout...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Twins’ youth movement makes future bright, but expected lockout figures to derail optimism

The Twins will close another losing season on Sunday, but an impressive group of young players should provide something to look forward to next spring.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The Timberwolves add two well-known play-by-play voices to television team. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/timberwolv...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Timberwolves add well-respected NBA voice in free agency

Longtime Trail Blazers voice Kevin Calabro will join three other play-by-play announcers in splitting up Wolves’ games this season on new television and streaming partner DAZN.

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Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

On the J.J. McCarthy trade rumors to Giants. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jj-mccarth...

juddzulgad.substack.com

J.J. McCarthy might need a fresh start, but it shouldn’t come as Giants’ QB this season

The season-ending injury to Jaxson Dart led many to call for McCarthy to be traded to New York, but here’s why that isn’t such a good idea.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The Vikings have emphasized the run game this season, but their depth at the position continues to take hits. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/aaron-jone...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Aaron Jones’ injury could leave Vikings’ new-look run game in precarious position

Already missing Jordan Mason, Jones is now dealing with a knee injury that kept him from practicing on Wednesday.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Kyler Murray set to start on Sunday. So what does Kevin O'Connell want from him? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-co...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Vikings coach says that Carson Wentz’s success creates blueprint for Kyler Murray

As Murray gets set to return Sunday after suffering a concussion in Week 1, Kevin O’Connell made it clear Murray should have learned plenty from watching Wentz.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

On Kevin O'Connell's growth as a coach and the Vikings' ugly (yet beautiful) win in rainy Chicago. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/nothing-fa...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Nothing fancy: Vikings rain on Bears’ parade by embracing the elements

In beating Chicago on Sunday, Kevin O’Connell provided the latest example that he’s no longer looking for offensive style points.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

On the Gophers' victory over Akron and the questions that remain as Big Ten play approaches. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/gophers-cr...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Gophers cruise past Akron, but plenty of questions remain as Big Ten play approaches

Before a big fourth quarter on Saturday against a tired Zips defense, the Gophers’ run game had been virtually non-existent for the past two games.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Carson Wentz will start against Bears, but Kyler Murray expected to be cleared next week. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/carson-wen...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Carson Wentz to start against Bears, but Kyler Murray appears on track to return for Week 3

Murray will sit out after suffering a concussion in the opener, but coach Kevin O’Connell is optimistic about the veteran’s recovery.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Kirill Kaprizov has a fresh start with a new contract and without his best buddy. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/a-new-chap...

juddzulgad.substack.com

A new chapter: Kirill Kaprizov opens season with rich contract but without longtime mentor

The Wild’s superstar starts his seventh NHL season without Mats Zuccarello on his wing. Here’s why that might be for the best.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

On the Vikings already having to utilize their backup plan at quarterback. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/uncertaint...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Uncertainty about Kyler Murray’s status forces Vikings to put backup plan into action

Murray hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday’s game in Chicago after suffering a concussion in Week 1, but Carson Wentz will be ready to go after helping beat the Packers.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Bill Guerin gave John Hynes a contract extension and then made it clear what his expectations are for the Wild this season. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/john-hynes...

juddzulgad.substack.com

John Hynes’ contract extension comes with great expectations

The Wild coach will enter the season with added job security and plenty of pressure on him to get his team deep into the postseason.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

On a Vikings defense that will need to play a more complete game against the Bears on Sunday. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-de...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Vikings’ defense will have to bear down in order to slow Chicago’s high-scoring offense

Despite an impressive finish against the Packers, coordinator Brian Flores’ defense will have to be far better for four quarters on Sunday in order to win at Soldier Field.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Carson Wentz getting into a game for the Vikings in 2026 wasn't surprising. The fact it came in the first quarter of the opener ... juddzulgad.substack.com/p/insurance-...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Insurance plan pays off: Carson Wentz helps steer Vikings to victory after Kyler Murray’s departure

The veteran QB got limited work in training camp but took over in the first quarter on Sunday against Green Bay after Murray suffered a concussion.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

The Judd Substack has plenty of thoughts on the Gophers' loss to Mississippi State today. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/what-a-hea...

juddzulgad.substack.com

What a headache: Gophers’ no-show performance leads to embarrassment on national television

Minnesota’s game on Saturday against Mississippi State was expected to be a good test for P.J. Fleck’s team. Instead, the Gophers got blown out by their SEC opponent.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Kevin O'Connell and Kyler Murray might not seem like a good fit, but the two have every season to make their partnership work. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/unlikely-a...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Unlikely alliance: Can Kyler Murray and Kevin O’Connell get Vikings’ offense back on track?

The veteran quarterback begins a make-or-break season, leading an offense that has been revamped by a coach looking for his team to rebound from a disappointing season.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

On how much it will cost to watch the Wolves on the DAZN streaming platform and why this could a one-season-and-done situation. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/timberwolv...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Timberwolves are latest local team to reveal the price it will cost to watch them this season

Fans will have four choices when it comes to subscribing to watch the team’s games this season on the DAZN streaming platform.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

What a difference a year makes for J.J. McCarthy. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jj-mccarth...

juddzulgad.substack.com

J.J. McCarthy will be Vikings’ emergency quarterback as Carson Wentz becomes QB2

A year after opening the season as the starter, McCarthy has been relegated to the third-string role behind starter Kyler Murray and Wentz.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The defense is considered a strength of the Vikings in large part because of Brian Flores' presence. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/no-worries...

juddzulgad.substack.com

No worries: Brian Flores has turned the Vikings’ defense into one of the best in the NFL

There’s a good reason the team reportedly was willing to pay the coordinator more than $6 million per season to return.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Harrison Smith's return to the Vikings was expected, but the fact he made it official on Saturday had to be a relief for Kevin O'Connell and Co. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/reason-to-...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Reason to smile: Vikings get their wish as Harrison Smith agrees to return

There had been an expectation the safety would be back for a 15th season once the Vikings concluded training camp.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Musings on the Minnesota sports scene involving the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves and Wild. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/ten-pack-o...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Ten pack of thoughts: Vikings should be a playoff contender; Twins’ value could skyrocket

Various musings on the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves and Wild.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

On the Wild's agreement with Prime Video and how the collapse of the RSN model has made finding your favorite team expensive and confusing. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/wild-times...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Wild times: The NHL team announced its games will be streamed on Prime Video

Finding your local team on television used to be easy. But that was before the Regional Sports Network model collapsed and teams were forced to go it alone.

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Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

A look at Quinn Hughes' contract situation and why it makes sense that in 2030 Quinn and Jack will be playing in front of their parents in Detroit. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/no-sweat-b...

juddzulgad.substack.com

No sweat: Bill Guerin expresses confidence a Quinn Hughes contract extension will get done

The Wild general manager is dealing with a high-profile negotiation for the second consecutive summer.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

A position-by-position analysis of the Vikings' 53-man roster, including the good, the bad and the concerning. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-53...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Vikings’ 53-man roster set (for now): A position-by-position analysis

New general manager Nolan Teasley and coach Kevin O’Connell trimmed the roster from 90 to 53 players on Sunday. But their work is only beginning.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Observations from Vikings-Broncos preseason finale starts with J.J. McCarthy's future. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/4-observat...

juddzulgad.substack.com

4 observations from Vikings’ preseason finale: Is J.J. McCarthy’s time in Minnesota winding down?

The Vikings were hoping the quarterback could play the first half against the Broncos on Friday, but he reportedly told the team he didn’t feel comfortable doing so because of a sprained ankle.

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Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

On the Twins finally calling up Walker Jenkins. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/what-took-...

juddzulgad.substack.com

What took so long? Twins finally make the right move by promoting hot-hitting Walker Jenkins

The team’s top prospect has been tearing it up at Triple-A St. Paul this month, but the Twins had avoided calling him up until Thursday.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Vikings' final day of training camp practice is filled with news and notes. We start with J.J. McCarthy sitting out. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/day-19-rec...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Day 19 recap of training camp: J.J. McCarthy sits out practice but might play in preseason finale

The quarterback did not take part in Wednesday’s final practice of camp, but coach Kevin O’Connell is hoping he can start on Friday night in Denver.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The Vikings had a light workout on a humid day at TCO Performance Center. Here's the recap. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/day-17-rec...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Day 17 recap of Vikings training camp: J.J. McCarthy returns after being ‘a little hobbled’

The quarterback departed Saturday’s preseason game one series earlier than expected but took part in a light practice on Monday.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

As cutdown day nears, the Vikings will have plenty of decisions to make this week. Here's a look. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/a-busy-wee...

juddzulgad.substack.com

A busy week ahead: The Vikings’ plan for J.J. McCarthy and remaining position battles

With a week to go before the roster is cut from 90 to 53 players, the Vikings will return to practice on Monday faced with making some key decisions.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

On why J.J. McCarthy's play on Saturday likely will point to Carson Wentz being QB2 for the opener. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jj-mccarth...

juddzulgad.substack.com

J.J. McCarthy’s latest start provides more reason for Vikings to make Carson Wentz their QB2

If Kyler Murray is injured, the Vikings don’t need his replacement to be heroic, but they do need him to be steady.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Vikings' 53-man roster projection with nine days to go before final cuts. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-53...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Vikings' 53-man roster projection: Who stays? Who goes? What positions remain unsettled?

General manager Nolan Teasley and coach Kevin O’Connell will have some interesting decisions to make before final cuts are due at 5 p.m. on Aug. 30.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

On a busy second day of the Vikings' joint practice against the Ravens. Brian Flores' defense looks ready to go. The offense, meanwhile, ... juddzulgad.substack.com/p/day-16-rec...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Day 16 recap of Vikings' training camp: Defense is the star of the show in joint practice vs. Ravens

Coordinator Brian Flores’ defense was flying around on Thursday, while the offense found success late in a 2-minute drill.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

On Kyler Murray's struggles but solid finish in the Vikings' joint practice Wednesday with the Baltimore Ravens. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/day-15-rec...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Day 15 recap of Vikings' training camp: Kyler Murray has a rough day but finishes strong

The Baltimore Ravens defense got the best of the Vikings’ offense for much of Wednesday’s joint practice, but Murray and J.J. McCarthy both ended on a high note.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The Vikings' defense record four interceptions against Minnesota's QBs on Monday. A recap of the practice. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/day-14-rec...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Day 14 recap of Vikings' training camp: Defense gets the best of Kyler Murray and the offense

Murray and Carson Wentz were both picked off twice on Monday in practice.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

The Twins' struggles are easy to explain. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/twins-mana...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Twins manager upset with team's struggles, but there's good news right around the corner

The Phillies rallied from five runs down Sunday to complete a sweep of the Twins. It's been a poor month for Derek Shelton's club, but that's largely because they have had to play outside the AL.

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Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

A six pack of things to watch as the Vikings open their most important week of training camp. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/six-things...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Six things to keep an eye on as Vikings get set for most important week of training camp

Joint practices against Baltimore will enable Kyler Murray and Justin Jefferson to work on chemistry and provide a chance for team brass to make important roster decisions.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Five thoughts on the Vikings' preseason opener, including one on the potential No. 2 quarterback. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/5-takeaway...

juddzulgad.substack.com

5 takeaways from Vikings' opener: Kyler Murray's solid start and backup QB speculation

The Vikings' first-team offense played only one series on Saturday, but Murray looked efficient and the run game impressed.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Vikings day at camp as they prepare to face Giants on Saturday. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/day-12-rec...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Day 12 recap of Vikings' training camp: Team prepares for preseason opener against Giants

The Vikings conducted a walk-through and light practice on Thursday ahead of Saturday's game in New Jersey.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

What's next for J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/examining-...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Examining some of the questions that J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings now face

Is McCarthy's time over in Minnesota? What about his contract situation?

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

A look at Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy's performances on Day 12 of Vikings' training camp. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/day-12-rec...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Day 12 recap of Vikings' QB play: Tracking Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy's performances

A look at how Murray and McCarthy fared on Wednesday.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

How did Kyler Murray fare on his first day as the Vikings' starting QB? We have it for you here, as well as how J.J. McCarthy did. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/day-11-rec...

juddzulgad.substack.com

Day 11 recap of Vikings' quarterback play: The competition might be over but the tracking isn't

Kyler Murray was named the Vikings' starter on Tuesday. Here's how he and J.J. McCarthy performed in the first practice with their roles now known.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

On the Vikings' decision to name Kyler Murray the starting quarterback. (Unlocked for everyone) juddzulgad.substack.com/p/what-was-t...

juddzulgad.substack.com

What was the point? Kyler Murray finally given the starting job we knew he had locked up

Kevin O'Connell's desire to have a quarterback competition between Murray and J.J. McCarthy wasted valuable time for Vikings in training camp.

Judd Zulgad @jzulgad.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

The Vikings are nearly two weeks into training camp and the QB duel between Murray and McCarthy has become a major concern. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/qb-duel-re...

juddzulgad.substack.com

QB duel remains unresolved as Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy fail to get passing grades

The two have spent 10 practices battling for the Vikings' starting job. So far the competition has been more of a bust than anything for both sides.