Luke Inman hosts and Sam Ekstrom joins from the airport as they break down the Vikings' disappointing 16-6 loss at Soldier Field. They discuss: -The frustrating slow start on defense again -Cousins' lack of playmaking -Discontent with the receivers -Where do the Vikings go from here?

Postgame Reaction: Same Old Story as Vikings Struggle in Chicago

The Zone Coverage Football Machine is a weekly, in-depth Minnesota Vikings discussion that gives you locker room insights and on-field analysis from professional beat writers. Host Sam Ekstrom has been on the Vikings beat for Zone Coverage since 2014. Arif Hasan has covered the Vikings for Zone Coverage and The Athletic and brings an analytical slant. Luke Inman is Zone Coverage's resident draft and film guru. Together, they give you the most informed Vikings speculation you'll find anywhere.

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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 years of loyal listenership. What a fun ride. -Explaining the goodbye -Stafford traded; is Cousins next?! -Why the delay on promoting Klint Kubiak? -Super Bowl Jeopardy w/ Giles Ferrell -Super Bowl Party Fantasy Draft -Super Bowl Prop Bets

QB Trade Rumors, Super Bowl Jeopardy & Farewell

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 was Matt LaFleur's fourth down decision? -What is Aaron Rodgers' future? -Bills-Chiefs takeaways -Kyle Rudolph's controversial comments -Minnesota's salary-cap management -The Hall of Fame case for Jared Allen

LaFleur's Decision, Rodgers' Future & Rudolph's Comments

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 cheering for in Sunday's Bucs-Packers game? -Identifying free agent targets at guard, defensive tackle, receiver and corner -Checking in on former Vikings -Barr vs. Wilson -Championship round picks

Playoff Talkers, Vikings Free Agent Watch, Ex-Viking Updates

Sam Ekstrom and Arif Hasan discuss the latest with the Minnesota Vikings and National Football League: -George Paton takes a job with the Denver Broncos. What is the impact on the Vikings? -Best moments of Wild Card weekend: Colts-Bills, Heinicke, Nickelodeon -Takeaways on Devonta Smith, Justin Fields and Mac Jones from the National Championship -Twitter questions: Vikings roster makeup, Thielen's future and next OC

Goodbye, George Paton, Wild Card Review & National Championship Thoughts

Sam Ekstrom and Arif Hasan are joined by Luke Braun to start discussing the Minnesota Vikings offseason: -Who were the Week 17 winners and losers? -Are the in-house candidates good replacements for Gary Kubiak? Outside hires? -What about replacing Marwan Maalouf? -How inaccurate were our preseason predictions? -Did Kirk Cousins improve his QB rank this season? -Would a Cousins-for-Watson trade make sense? -Wild Card picks

Postgame Reaction: Same Old Story as Vikings Struggle in Chicago

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