Recent content from Mark Craig
Five extra points: Vikings, McCarthy win on Day 1 of draft, but the biggest winner was ...
NFL teams got busy protecting their young quarterbacks Thursday while rich defenses got richer. Here are the winners and losers from the first round of the NFL draft.
Mark Craig's first-round NFL mock draft: What will the Vikings do at No. 24?
The first round of the NFL draft will begin Thursday at 7 p.m. Central time. Here's what the Minnesota Star Tribune's NFL Insider thinks will happen.
Vikings draft preview: More talent, youth needed behind decorated defensive tackles
The Vikings' free-agency spending spree added two decorated veteran starters with proven interior pass rushing skills, but a need for depth and future starters remains at a position that relies on quality backups
Are you a Vikings fan headed to the NFL draft? Tell us why.
Star Tribune reporter Mark Craig is heading to Titletown for the NFL draft. He'll be looking for fans of a certain Purple-clad team.
New Vikings cornerback has experienced high of Super Bowl, low of suspension
Isaiah Rodgers, signed by the Vikings in free agency last week, won a championship with the Eagles last season after missing the entire 2023 season for violating the NFL policy on gambling.
New Vikings pass rushers eager to see what Flores has in store for them
The Vikings brought in veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen via free agency. They're looking forward to play for "a mad scientist," defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Vikings get 97th pick in the draft as Cousins rebate. How could they spend it?
The Vikings received a third-round draft pick as compensation for quarterback Kirk Cousins signing with the Falcons last year. There have been quite a few gems available near that spot in the draft over the years.
Five extra points: Vikings fans should trust what O'Connell, Flores can do with this roster
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is the quarterback whisperer, after all. He has earned the benefit of the doubt while defensive coordinator Brian Flores just got some high-quality parts for his scheme.
Pro Football Hall of Fame to honor former Vikings equipment manager
Dennis Ryan spent 48 seasons working for the Vikings, beginning when he was a 16-year-old wrestler at St. Paul Humboldt. He will receive an Award of Excellence from the Hall of Fame in June.
Five extra points: Bears, Lions show Vikings how to remake offensive line, secondary
The Vikings have needs in their interior offensive line and at cornerback. The Bears overhauled their guards and center in a matter of days while the Lions lost a cornerback but added a better one.
How the Vikings' Jared Allen, the only Hall of Famer to ever wear No. 69, ended up with that number
With KC maybe mostly for his long-snapping, Allen was assigned the number. So was "a fat O-lineman." One of them got cut. One became No. 69 for life.
Analysis: Dear Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors, get to know Kevin Williams
With Jared Allen's Pro Football Hall of Fame case put to bed, more attention can be given to his Vikings teammate and linemate Kevin Williams.
Analysis: How the scheme that got Ed Donatell fired by the Vikings won the Eagles a Super Bowl
Players trump schemes. The Eagles used nine front-four players Sunday. Eight of them were drafted by Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman. Six of them are 25 or younger and were drafted in the past three years.
Analysis: How a former Vikings assistant coach won six Super Bowl rings
Brendan Daly was fired by the Vikings in 2013. He has won six Super Bowls since and is going for his seventh on Sunday in perhaps the greatest coaching career you've never heard about.
Super Bowl prediction: Will Mahomes, Chiefs top Eagles for first NFL threepeat?
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid take aim at some NFL records while Saquon Barkley and the Eagles try to run away with a championship in New Orleans.
Vikings' O'Connell wins NFL Coach of the Year
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, quarterback Sam Darnold, defensive coordinator Brian Flores and fullback C.J. Ham were finalists for the NFL's most prestigious awards, which were presented Thursday night in New Orleans.
Which Vikings got first-place votes on Mark Craig's ballot for NFL awards?
2024 was not an easy season to be among the 50 voters who chose the winners of the eight awards handed out during Thursday night's NFL Honors show. The Minnesota Star Tribune's voter explains his ballot.
How Jared Allen finally reached the Pro Football Hall of Fame: An insider's look
The Vikings sackmaster overcame changes in the process and benefited from the words of Leslie Frazier.
Jared Allen, famed edge rusher who didn't stop there for the Vikings, is elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
A year after he was "shocked" to be skipped and five years after he was first eligible, the defensive end who "grew up" from personal problems received the invitation.
Super Bowl LIX preview: Mark Craig's five extra points
Forget about Taylor Swift; pay attention to Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts.
Analysis: With QB Daniels, Commanders are providing blueprint for 2025 Vikings
Washington, which plays for the NFC title on Sunday, is doing what every NFL team dreams of in the salary cap era: Winning big with a really good quarterback on his rookie deal.
Mark Craig's conference championship picks: Who will make it to the Super Bowl?
Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen again in the AFC. NFC East rivals squares off for a trip to New Orleans. Who will be the last two teams standing?
Vikings' O'Connell, Darnold, Flores are finalists for NFL awards
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, quarterback Sam Darnold and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are in the running for three of the league's most prestigious awards, which will be presented Feb. 6.
Mark Craig's NFL Insider: Vikings must address interior offensive line issues
The league's most powerful offensive teams found a way to get better at guard and center to improve pass protection and running games.
Mark Craig's NFL playoff predictions: Two-time defending champion Chiefs have entered the chat
Kansas City, Detroit and Philadelphia are heavy favorites in the divisional round this weekend while Buffalo and Baltimore seem primed for a classic. Who will win?
Five extra points: Vikings' heaviest players get heavy criticism after Rams shred the offensive line
A terrible call blunted Minnesota's first run at a rally, and Kevin O'Connell contributed with a bad fourth-down decision. Sam Darnold? Wow.
Analysis: NFL's best QB? Coach? Defense? Let's dive in to wild-card weekend.
Mark Craig evaluates the 12 teams playing wild-card weekend to see if any of them can stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs from claiming a historic Super Bowl three-peat.
Vikings' Jefferson, DePaola, Van Ginkel voted onto All-Pro teams
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and long snapper Andrew DePaola earned first-team All-Pro honors for the second time in three seasons while edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel is a second-team All-Pro.
NFL playoffs: Mark Craig's preview and predictions for wild-card weekend
Vikings vs. Rams. Ravens vs. Steelers. Packers vs. Eagles. Rookie QBs. MVP contenders. The opening weekend of the NFL playoffs has a lot to offer. But will there be any surprises?
Analysis: Darnold isn't the only Vikings veteran who needs to step it up vs. Rams
Looking back at the Vikings' 30-20 loss to the Rams in October reveals that Hall of Fame-worthy cornerback Stephon Gilmore had one of his worst games of the season as the defense struggled to contain Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
Analysis: Don't ask Harrison Smith about next season. The Vikings are 'not done yet.'
Longtime Vikings safety Harrison Smith doesn't want to forget about Sunday's 31-9 loss to the Lions that set up a more difficult playoff path. "You learn from losses," he said. "We learn from this."
NFC North Week 18 picks: Division title comes down to the final game in Detroit
The Sunday night showdown between the Vikings and Lions features Detroit's No. 1 scoring offense against Minnesota's No. 4 scoring defense.
Analysis: How Lions' Dan Campbell became 'Dan Gamble' vs. Vikings
The Detroit coach's 'go for it' mentality was on display in his first win against the Vikings in 2021. It will play a vital role in the teams' Sunday night showdown for the NFC North title.
Analysis: Why does the Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell want to learn more about Guy Chamberlin?
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is, by some measures, one of the most successful active coaches in the NFL. He also finds himself closing in on a Hall of Famer from the 1920s in the record books.
Five extra points: Given a moment, Darnold makes numbers add up
The quarterback's stats against the Packers varied dramatically depending on pressure. Also notable: Kevin O'Connell in close games, Aaron Jones on any-down-and-short and Brian Flores' defense.
Who's the most underrated Viking of 2024? We counted the votes and the winner is...
The Minnesota Star Tribune spent the week asking Vikings players and fans, "Who is the most underrated Viking and why?" Eighty-three people gave 33 different answers, and nary a one got it wrong.
Former Vikings Jared Allen is Hall of Fame finalist for fifth time
Allen is among final 15 modern-era candidates for Pro Football Hall of Fame.
NFC North picks: Will Lions, Vikings set up Week 18 showdown for No. 1 seed?
Detroit receiver Jameson Williams is giving future opponents – including a certain team from the Twin Cities – cause for concern as the race for the division title and No. 1 seed comes down to the wire.
Analysis: Franchise tag for Darnold would add another layer to unpredictable Vikings season
The Vikings have a problem to solve about quarterback Sam Darnold's future, but it's a problem that seems tailor-made for the one-year franchise tag.
Most underrated Viking in 2024? Most underrated moment? Tell us what you think.
The Minnesota Star Tribune wants to pick the brains of Vikings fans about their unsung Vikings players and unheralded plays of their surprising 13-2 season.
Five extra points: Five snaps tell the Darnold story, and fourth down reveals something about O'Connell
Also spicing up matters in Sunday's win in Seattle: Byron Murphy's flex, Will Reichard's "Stone Cold Killer" persona and Jonathan Greenard's tackle-for-loss timing.
Analysis: Why Vikings' 12-2 record means more to Akers
Back from two torn Achilles tendons by age 25, Vikings running back Cam Akers has a key role as Aaron Jones' backup on a team that's playoff-bound.
NFC North picks: Will Packers keep rolling? Can Lions stay healthy?
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds depth in Detroit, a bright spot in Chicago and lots of points in Green Bay.
Analysis: Why an unheralded Vikings defensive lineman earned a game ball vs. the Bears
Vikings defensive lineman Jerry Tillery had nothing on his stat sheet beyond a single assisted tackle against the Bears on Monday night. But his coach and teammates gave him credit for so much more.
Five extra points: Stopping the run, faking the run and just running all work for Vikings
Two less positive matters require addressing: Kevin O'Connell, just kick that field goal. Cam Robinson, thank goodness you're here, but be careful before the snap, please.
Analysis: Vikings' Sam Darnold for NFL MVP?! Don't laugh.
One of 50 voters tasked with choosing the NFL's Most Valuable Player processes Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's chances at winning the award.
NFC North Week 15 picks: Pressure is on Lions to beat Bills
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds pressure in Detroit, surprising takeaways in Chicago and points of turnovers in Green Bay.
Jamin Davis needs only nine snaps to remind us of his first-round pedigree
Recently signed following the injury to Ivan Pace Jr., former first round pick Davis is resurrecting his career and making the most of his time with the Vikings.
Five extra points: 'Special' Darnold play, Vikings' bargain, Falcons' mistakes pave way for win
How quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins handled pressure - and how the Falcons handled the ball - were turning points in the Vikings' 42-21 victory.
Analysis: As the NFL's second-oldest team, the Vikings seem to think 30 is just a number
Age has not kept the 10-2 Vikings from shocking the league. If anything, it's helped.
NFC North picks: Will Lions or Packers prevail Thursday night? Will Cousins beat Vikings on Sunday?
It's a newsworthy week in the NFC North. The 11-1 Lions host the 9-3 Packers on Thursday night while the Vikings welcome back Kirk Cousins on Sunday and the Bears hand the reins to interim head coach Thomas Brown.
NFL Insider: Arizona coach finds out playing for field goals isn't good enough against Vikings
Jonathan Gannon decided against a decisive touchdown, and the Vikings rolled down the field to win Sunday's game.
Former Vikings Jim Marshall and Chuck Foreman fall short again in Hall of Fame bids
Ralph Hay, Mike Holmgren, Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer make the cut in contributor, coach and seniors categories.
Five extra points: An efficient RB's impact, the coach's kicker effect, and when Mundt is at his best
Cam Akers touched the ball on four plays, but he saved the QB once and the game another time. Kevin O'Connell benefited again from a missed field goal. And it turns out Johnny Mundt is especially successful when his defender falls down.
Analysis: Jonathan Greenard calls to mind image of Johnny Randle chasing that chicken
Of course you remember that old Nike commercial. Greenard promised Sunday to check it out after he was told he had reprised a familiar role against the Cardinals.
Being Robin to Jefferson's Batman has its perks for Vikings receivers
The 9-2 Vikings have provided emphatic evidence that their other offensive options can pummel a defense while star receiver Justin Jefferson is statistically handcuffed.
NFC North picks: Division QBs on display in Thanksgiving games
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and focuses on quarterbacks Jared Goff, Caleb Williams and Jordan Love, who all play on Thursday this week.
Analysis: 'Watermelon' ball gives Vikings coordinator a teaching tool to put the boring back in NFL kickoffzzz
Matt Daniels took questions about the team's kicking failures that turned a lead into a near-catastrophe Sunday against the Bears.
Five extra points: Red-zone results, special teams mishaps and thank-you notes for Jefferson
In the Vikings' 30-27 win at Soldier Field, Sam Darnold excelled in the red zone, the special teams have some explaining to do, and Justin Jefferson made a big impact for his teammates.
NFC North picks: Offenses are trending upward
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds lots and lots of points in Detroit, improvement in Chicago and smart halftime decisions in Green Bay.
Justin Jefferson explains how he would cover Justin Jefferson
As he prepares to face NFC North rival Chicago on Sunday, the Vikings' star wide receiver admits he would use the same defensive strategy opponents are using against him this season.
Analysis: Williams, Bears might not be who Vikings fans think they are
Heading into Sunday's game against the Vikings, the Bears have lost four in a row with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and a shuffled offensive staff. But looks can be deceiving.
Magician? Whisperer? Good coach? O'Connell coaxing more from Darnold than anyone who tried before
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is completing more passes more often for more touchdowns than he ever has. "What we're trying to get from Sam is to play the best football of his career," coach Kevin O'Connell said.
8-2! Surprised? You might be, but O'Connell insists he isn't.
The Vikings are among five NFL teams that already have surpassed their victory total of 2023. Coach Kevin O'Connell says he expected it.
Analysis: The NFL's first 70-yard field goal is coming. Here's why.
Never has the NFL had this many big-legged candidates lined up to challenge a once unthinkable distance. Through Week 11 this season, kickers are making 71.9% of their attempts from 50-plus yards and are on pace to shatter the record for attempts and makes from long distance.
Former Vikings diverge: Allen makes Hall of Fame's final 25 for Class of '25, Williams doesn't
It's Jared Allen's fifth time in his five years of eligibility, and he's expected to make the cut to 15 again.
Five extra points: 'Bad Sam' Darnold, Titans run game kept in check while officials keep busy
The Vikings quarterback was more good than bad, Tennessee QB Will Levis came up big but not enough and flags were flying frequently in Nashville.
How Vikings' Romo went from working at a golf course to kicking in the NFL
Like any kicker trying to make it in the NFL, Parker Romo was focused on the next kick, even if he was working at an Arkansas golf club and practicing three times a week at a local high school.
NFC North picks: Will Bears' changes change their fortunes vs. Packers?
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds stout run defense in Detroit, impatience in Chicago and a notable winning streak in Green Bay.
On the NFL: Here are the Vikings midseason awards
Thanks to some fortunate victories, a pretty good defense and Aaron Jones, the Sam Darnold Era has started off well.
Five extra points: Defense helps Vikings leave Jacksonville as less boneheaded team
The Vikings offense, on the other hand, didn't use tight end T.J. Hockenson enough and misused running back Aaron Jones in an anemic performance against the Jaguars.
Analysis: 'Running backs matter' as NFL sees rushing numbers rise
NFL running backs — and, to be fair, running quarterbacks and jet-sweeping receivers — have mattered more through nine games than any point since 1990. The Vikings' Aaron Jones, for one, welcomes it.
NFC North Week 10 picks: Defenses in the spotlight, for good and bad reasons
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds the hidden strengths of the Lions defense, the weakness of the Bears defense and a Packers team happy to be off this week.
Vikings' Jefferson shows he has all the answers by handling this question: How'd he get so open!?
Somehow Justin Jefferson, even though he's the league's leading receiver, gets way into the clear against defenses that should know better. Some specifics from Sunday provide an overall explanation.
Analysis: In Darnold's big year for Vikings, resist any urges to yelp, 'Same old Sam!'
Sam Darnold still makes mistakes, but the Vikings quarterback also is doing what coach Kevin O'Connell wants him to do in airing it out.
