Judd Zulgad
@jzulgad.bsky.social
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
Why it's time for Kevin O'Connell to hand over play-calling duties. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/kevin-ocon...
Kevin O'Connell would be wise to relinquish play-calling duties -- at least in the short term
The Vikings coach has held the role since taking over in 2022, but what he wants to do on offense and what J.J. McCarthy can do seem to be at odds.
juddzulgad.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Why it's time for Kevin O'Connell to hand over play-calling duties. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/kevin-ocon...
Karl-Anthony Towns shouldn't remain stunned by a trade that now makes perfect sense. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/julius-ran...
Julius Randle's performance and contract make Wolves the winner in Karl-Anthony Towns trade
Towns said he remains "stunned" he was dealt by the Timberwolves, but he shouldn't be. Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are key contributors for the Wolves and make less combined than Towns.
juddzulgad.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Karl-Anthony Towns shouldn't remain stunned by a trade that now makes perfect sense. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/julius-ran...
The Vikings finally played to the identity we expected on Sunday. But is that what we'll see for the rest of the season? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/have-vikin...
Have Vikings found their identity or was performance against Lions just a one-off?
Eight games into the season, coach Kevin O'Connell's team finally looked like the one many expected to see when training camp opened. Will that continue on Sunday against Baltimore?
juddzulgad.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:30 AM
The Vikings finally played to the identity we expected on Sunday. But is that what we'll see for the rest of the season? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/have-vikin...
New Twins manager Derek Shelton made a positive first impression but that soon will be forgotten. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/derek-shel...
Derek Shelton wins introductory press conference, now can Twins new manager win some games?
Six months after being fired by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Shelton returns to Minnesota to replace Rocco Baldelli. So what will be different between Shelton and the guy who was once his boss?
juddzulgad.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:20 PM
New Twins manager Derek Shelton made a positive first impression but that soon will be forgotten. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/derek-shel...
A position at which it would make sense for the Vikings to try to upgrade before the trade deadline on Tuesday. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/as-trade-d...
As trade deadline nears, Vikings reportedly are exploring their options to upgrade at cornerback
Jeff Okudah hasn't been the answer at the nickel position and he's currently out because of a concussion. Someone like New Orleans' Alontae Taylor would be a major upgrade for the Vikings' defense.
juddzulgad.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:23 PM
A position at which it would make sense for the Vikings to try to upgrade before the trade deadline on Tuesday. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/as-trade-d...
On J.J. McCarthy's performance Sunday and why hope has returned to the Vikings. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jj-mccarth...
J.J. McCarthy might not have been perfect, but he passes most important test in return from injury
The quarterback wasn't overly excited about his performance and the box score numbers didn't stand out, but McCarthy delivered when it mattered most in Vikings' upset win at Detroit.
juddzulgad.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:49 AM
On J.J. McCarthy's performance Sunday and why hope has returned to the Vikings. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jj-mccarth...
The Minnesota sports ineptitude rankings. From struggling to hopeless. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/rocky-road...
Rocky road: Just how bad are things for the Timberwolves, Twins, Vikings and Wild?
A look at the current state of the four franchises.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:47 PM
The Minnesota sports ineptitude rankings. From struggling to hopeless. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/rocky-road...
No one should be surprised the Twins made a managerial hire that can be described as uninspired. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/twins-deci...
Twins' decision to hire Derek Shelton is latest sign that maintaining status quo was the goal
The one-time Twins bench coach is Derek Falvey's reported choice to replace Rocco Baldelli as manager -- an indication that there is no real desire to end fan apathy.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:57 AM
No one should be surprised the Twins made a managerial hire that can be described as uninspired. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/twins-deci...
On J.J. McCarthy's return and Kevin O'Connell's major role in making sure it's a success. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/kevin-ocon...
Kevin O'Connell's play calling could make or break J.J. McCarthy in final 10 games of season
The Vikings coach must keep his focus on developing his young quarterback, and that will mean adjusting his play calling to make sure McCarthy is put in position to have success.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:18 PM
On J.J. McCarthy's return and Kevin O'Connell's major role in making sure it's a success. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/kevin-ocon...
The Wild put a positive spin on another loss on Tuesday but that didn't erase this team's many warts. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/wild-see-p...
Wild see positives in performance, but losses continue to mount for underachieving bunch
Coach John Hynes and his players feel they are getting close to breaking out of their early-season slump, but patience can only last for so long.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:32 AM
The Wild put a positive spin on another loss on Tuesday but that didn't erase this team's many warts. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/wild-see-p...
We knew Carson Wentz was playing injured on Thursday night. We didn't know how badly he was hurt until Monday. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/look-of-ag...
Look of agony on Carson Wentz's face might not have revealed how painful Vikings' loss was for him
The veteran QB reportedly will have season-ending surgery on his dislocated left shoulder, making it fair to wonder why he was left in Thursday's loss for so long.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:22 AM
We knew Carson Wentz was playing injured on Thursday night. We didn't know how badly he was hurt until Monday. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/look-of-ag...
The Vikings had every reason to bounce back from a tough loss with a good performance on Thursday night against the Chargers. Instead, they looked disinterested and lifeless. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-em...
Vikings embarrass themselves with no-show performance in prime-time loss to Chargers
After losing to the Eagles on Sunday, the Vikings had every reason to rebound with a strong showing on Thursday night. Instead, they looked lifeless in a 27-point defeat at SoFi Stadium.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:19 AM
The Vikings had every reason to bounce back from a tough loss with a good performance on Thursday night against the Chargers. Instead, they looked disinterested and lifeless. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-em...
The Wild's continued lack of scoring punch raises serious concerns only eight games into the season. So is there a chance that helps is on the way? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/is-help-on...
Is help on the way? Wild's goal-scoring drought appears to be more than an early-season slump
The punchless Wild completed a 1-5-1 trip on Wednesday with a 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils. That left them near the bottom of the NHL with only nine even-strength goals in eight games.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The Wild's continued lack of scoring punch raises serious concerns only eight games into the season. So is there a chance that helps is on the way? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/is-help-on...
J.J. McCarthy's continued absence is a far bigger concern than his early-season struggles and it's why the Vikings are being so cautious with him. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-ar...
Vikings are playing it cautious with J.J. McCarthy for a very good reason
The QB will miss Thursday's game as injuries continue to impact his career. Once he returns, he needs to be able to stay on the field or his early-season struggles will be the least of his problems.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
J.J. McCarthy's continued absence is a far bigger concern than his early-season struggles and it's why the Vikings are being so cautious with him. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-ar...
Carson Wentz is banged up and struggled on Sunday. J.J. McCarthy might not be ready to return. So what should the Vikings do Thursday night? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/making-the...
Making the case for Max Brosmer: Starting rookie QB could make most sense against the Chargers
Carson Wentz's struggles and J.J. McCarthy's health, could combine to present the former University of Minnesota QB with an opportunity to be under center on Thursday night.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Carson Wentz is banged up and struggled on Sunday. J.J. McCarthy might not be ready to return. So what should the Vikings do Thursday night? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/making-the...
Joe Maddon might not seem like a good fit for the Twins, but he would be perfect. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/heres-why-...
Here's why the Twins should hire Joe Maddon as manager
Derek Falvey's reported list of candidates is filled with names of guys who haven't managed in the big leagues. But the past two seasons have shown Falvey needs a veteran manager.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 19, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Joe Maddon might not seem like a good fit for the Twins, but he would be perfect. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/heres-why-...
When will J.J. McCarthy return to starting role for Vikings? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jj-mccarth...
J.J. McCarthy won't return against the Eagles, so when will the QB reclaim the starting job?
Carson Wentz will get the start on Sunday and Max Brosmer will be the backup. McCarthy, coming off a high ankle sprain, will be the emergency third quarterback -- at least for this week.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 8:42 PM
When will J.J. McCarthy return to starting role for Vikings? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jj-mccarth...
Kevin O'Connell wouldn't say who his starting QB will be on Sunday, but it isn't too difficult to figure out. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/heres-why-...
Here's why Carson Wentz is likely to start over J.J. McCarthy for Vikings on Sunday
While McCarthy was back at practice, all signs point to Wentz getting a fourth consecutive start.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Kevin O'Connell wouldn't say who his starting QB will be on Sunday, but it isn't too difficult to figure out. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/heres-why-...
On Jorge Polanco's most memorable playoff moment with the Twins. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jorge-pola...
Jorge Polanco's playoff heroics are something Twins never saw from him
The veteran has been a force for the Mariners in their playoff run, but it was his crucial error in Game 1 of the wild card series in 2020 that helped bring an end to the Twins' season.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:45 PM
On Jorge Polanco's most memorable playoff moment with the Twins. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jorge-pola...
Kevin O'Connell didn't announce who will start at QB for the Vikings on Sunday but that didn't stop me from playing QB detective. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/will-it-be...
Will it be J.J. McCarthy or Carson Wentz? Projecting who will start for Vikings
Kevin O'Connell didn't say which quarterback he intends to start in the Vikings' first game back from their bye, so I took a shot at figuring it out from what he said at his press conference.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Kevin O'Connell didn't announce who will start at QB for the Vikings on Sunday but that didn't stop me from playing QB detective. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/will-it-be...
On the Vikings' schedule coming out of the bye week. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-fo...
Vikings' four-game stretch coming out of bye no longer appears to be as daunting
The Eagles are struggling on offense, the Chargers have been slumping without a key offensive lineman and the Ravens' defense is among the worst in the NFL. Only the Lions appear to be as formidable.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:31 PM
On the Vikings' schedule coming out of the bye week. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-fo...
Items on expectations for Kirill, Hynes' need to play the youngsters, Filip Gustavsson's consistency and fixing the penalty kill. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/five-key-f...
Five key factors for the Wild: It's time for a 50-goal season from the Kirill Kaprizov
The superstar winger got his big payday, now it's time for him to reward the Wild for their investment.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Items on expectations for Kirill, Hynes' need to play the youngsters, Filip Gustavsson's consistency and fixing the penalty kill. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/five-key-f...
Carson Wentz led the Vikings on a game-winning drive Sunday, but he didn't show enough to want to delay the Vikings returning to J.J. McCarthy. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jj-mccarth...
J.J. McCarthy's return as Vikings' starting QB is inevitable and it's the right move
Carson Wentz impressed by leading a game-winning drive on Sunday, but coach Kevin O'Connell knows he must see what he has in the Vikings' 2024 first-round pick.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 7, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Carson Wentz led the Vikings on a game-winning drive Sunday, but he didn't show enough to want to delay the Vikings returning to J.J. McCarthy. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jj-mccarth...
Jordan Addison was the hero for the Vikings on Sunday, but he also reminded the team why it's difficult to trust him. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/do-vikings...
Do Vikings need to explore moving on from Jordan Addison after the season?
The wide receiver caught the winning touchdown on Sunday against the Browns, but he also was benched for the opening quarter in a disciplinary move by coach Kevin O'Connell.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 5, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Jordan Addison was the hero for the Vikings on Sunday, but he also reminded the team why it's difficult to trust him. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/do-vikings...
Filip Gustavsson's contract extension continued the Wild locking up core players with reasonable contracts that could become bargains. Unlocked for all to read. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/as-salary-...
As salary cap rises, Wild focuses on locking up core group with long-term contracts
Filip Gustavsson signed a five-year deal on Saturday, making him the latest Wild player under 30 whom general manager Bill Guerin has signed to a contract extension.
juddzulgad.substack.com
October 4, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Filip Gustavsson's contract extension continued the Wild locking up core players with reasonable contracts that could become bargains. Unlocked for all to read. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/as-salary-...