Recent content from Mark Craig
Analysis: What the Vikings' Harrison Smith thinks about those pessimistic purple predictions
Vikings safety Harrison Smith is a veteran of 13 NFL seasons in Minnesota. He's been here when the Vikings were "supposed" to stink. He's been here when the Vikings were "supposed" to be great.
Vikings' unsung player of the week: Importance of Brandon Powell goes beyond the box score
The box score whispers that Vikings receiver Brandon Powell caught only two passes for 16 yards vs. the 49ers. But the context and magnitude of those catches screams loud and clear.
Five extra points: Vikings backups, Flores, Ham befuddle 49ers
The Vikings' Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores were aggressive in outcoaching Kyle Shanahan, whose 49ers are second to none in physicality.
Vikings giddy about what running back Aaron Jones can do for them
Aaron Jones' instincts and vision have his new teammates and coaches in Minnesota in "oh my gosh" mode. "I can't believe the Packers got rid of that guy," says one of his blockers.
NFC North picks: Former Viking pass rusher makes impact with Lions
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds a new quarterback in Green Bay and a surprising edge rusher in Detroit.
Dear Kirk Cousins: Sam Darnold, Vikings buck Week 1 trend of new-look offenses flailing a step behind the defense
The Vikings' victory in New York was an outlier, as new players or old ones in new situations struggled in the NFL.
Five extra points: Keeping up with the Joneses in Vikings' opening win
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was confused, Vikings running back Aaron Jones was used well (and then too much), and Vikings offensive line gets mixed reviews.
Sunday's most valuable Vikings? Not Jefferson and Darnold.
On the NFL Insider: The Vikings need to transition from a team that talks about running the football to one that actually can run the football.
NFC North picks: Believing in the Lions, but not Caleb Williams (yet)
On the NFL Insider Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North as the 2024 NFL season gets underway.
Mahomes, Cousins, Harbaugh, rookie QBs, and other NFL story lines
The 2024 NFL season kicks off Thursday night as the Chiefs try for a three-peat.
Who will win the Super Bowl this season?
Mark Craig's annual picks have some surprise winners ... but sorry, Vikings fans.
Vikings defense reunites with Giants QB Daniel Jones, sporting a whole new look
In the 2022 playoffs, the Vikings couldn't stop Daniel Jones, leading the quarterback to get a raise and Minnesota's defensive coordinator to get fired. What's in store for Sunday's season opener?
Vikings running back Ty Chandler will return kickoffs in NFL's new format
Ty Chandler will replace Kene Nwangwu as the Vikings' primary kickoff returner; former backup QB Jaren Hall signs with Seattle; no rest for Harrison Smith and no nickname for Will Reichard yet.
Forgive and forget? Mike Zimmer has a lot to say about his Vikings exit
Mike Zimmer opens up to the Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig about his final years in Minnesota, the death of his son Adam, and his return to the NFL as Cowboys defensive coordinator.
For the Vikings, real football is less than a week away
On the NFL Insider: Week 1 of the NFL season gets more unpredictable by the year as preseason work for starters ranges from nothing to minimal.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah reflects on his first NFL draft
After parting with safety Lewis Cine and cornerback Andrew Booth Jr., Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acknowledged mistakes in the draft process in 2022.
Vikings opt for experience at QB3, sign Brett Rypien to replace Jaren Hall
The Vikings waived No. 3 quarterback Jaren Hall on Thursday and signed Brett Rypien, who has played for the Broncos, Rams and Bears.
Vikings' early cuts include seventh-round draft pick McBride; guard Dalton Risner headed to IR
The team also parted with ex-Gophers Mohamed Ibrahim and Chuck Filaga and quarterback Matt Corral and still must ax 24 more players.
Despite Cine's big day for Vikings, there's still sadness around him
On the NFL: On the field until the end of the preseason game at Cleveland, 24-year-old safety Lewis Cine is fighting for one of the last roster spots.
What we learned from the Vikings' 27-12 preseason win over the Browns
Vikings quarterbacks Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall seem to have learned from last year's troubles, while the secondary has the most interesting position battles.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell played one starter against the Browns. Here's why.
Vikings right guard Ed Ingram was the only starter on either team to play Saturday. Even head coach Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores took a break in Cleveland.
Five things to watch in Vikings' preseason game vs. Browns: QBs, cornerbacks, receivers and more
J.J. McCarthy's injury shook up the Vikings plans for their second preseason game. Few if any starters on either team are expected to play. Here's what we'll be watching.
Vikings' chemistry test for Justin Jefferson and Sam Darnold getting off to a slow start
J.J. McCarthy's season-ending injury means that Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson's fifth NFL season will be spent entirely alongside quarterback Sam Darnold.
Vikings' Addison 'avoided' major ankle injury vs. Browns
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he didn't think receiver Jordan Addison would miss any extended time with a sprained left ankle after he was carted off the field Wednesday during a joint practice with the Browns.
Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss 2024 season after knee surgery
The first-round pick had the repair done Wednesday as his teammates were in Cleveland for practice against the Browns.
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison carted off field at joint practice with Browns
The teams are practicing together in advance of Saturday's preseason game in Cleveland.
Five extra points: Who turned heads in Vikings' preseason opener?
Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy played well in his Vikings debut Saturday vs. the Raiders, but other new and lesser-known players had highlight-reel moments too.
Vikings star Jefferson's day at camp: 'Griddy' screeches and honest talk
On a day when Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy got his first two snaps with the first team, receiver Justin Jefferson admitted to being "so scared" that he will suffer another hamstring injury like last season's.
Close-contact mentoring: Darrisaw aggressively shows Turner the way
Fresh off signing a contract extension, the Vikings left tackle is using words and deeds to teach the first-round pick the route to NFL success.
Amid VP speculation, Vikings fan Tim Walz worries about losing the Packers vote
"I'm Vikings all the way so I might not help in that swing state," Minnesota's DFL governor said at Vikings training camp.
Ranking Vikings wide receivers is easy as 1-2, but 3 isn't a bit clear
Brandon Powell seemed to have a slight edge entering camp, but Jalen Nailor made himself obvious with three touchdowns during Saturday's practice.
Vikings center Bradbury's new diet has a secret ingredient: 'Indian Ocean saltwater'
With coach Kevin O'Connell pushing for more physicality, Garrett Bradbury made big changes to his offseason regimen in pursuit of more power behind his physique.
The Vikings drafted a kicker. What could go wrong?
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "It's going to be a very competitive camp at multiple positions." We're taking a look at each of those competitions as training camp gets underway. Today: Kickers.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a master of meditation
The rookie begins and ends each day by meditating, a practice developed after a period of depression while at boarding school during COVID.
With Hockenson out, Vikings keeping close eye on his backups
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "It's going to be a very competitive camp at multiple positions." We're taking a look at each of those competitions as training camp gets underway. Today: Tight ends.
With contract settled, Vikings' Darrisaw sets new benchmarks
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw signed a four-year, $113 million contract extension Tuesday to become the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman. Now he's eyeing more vocal leadership and All-Pro honors.
Vikings lose cornerback Blackmon to knee injury in first practice
Mekhi Blackmon, a second-year corner who started three games last season, tore his ACL on Wednesday.
Vikings' Addison: 'I own up to everything' after DUI arrest
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison vowed to learn from his second driving offense in the past calendar year and believes he deserves any punishment that might come down from the law, the league or his head coach.
Vikings coach taking wait-and-see approach to Addison's arrest
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he will wait for the NFL's investigation and the legal process to play out before deciding whether receiver Jordan Addison warrants punishment from the team for his July 12 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Two receivers from Mercer trying to make big-league jump with Vikings
Devron Harper and Ty James, best friends from Conyers, Ga., are undrafted Vikings rookies taking aim at an FCS-to-NFL leap.
Revenge games all the rage in 2024 NFL season matchups
Mark Craig's On the NFL: There's a Super Bowl rematch on the slate, as well as a family reunion for the Harbaughs and chances for Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson to make a statement.
Five extra points: How NFC North teams got creative in the NFL draft
The Lions took some flyers. The Bears took a punter. The Vikings filled a vital need. Mark Craig takes a look at some draft picks you might have missed.
Meet the Vikings' 2024 NFL draft class
The Vikings' seven draft picks included a QB of the future, a star edge rusher, a kicker and some help for the offensive and defensive lines.
Recap: How Vikings used five picks on Day 3 of the draft
The Vikings added a cornerback, two offensive linemen, a defensive lineman and, yes, a kicker on the final day of the NFL draft.
Alt family planned for peaceful night. They got an NFL draft surprise.
Joe Alt, an All-America left tackle from Notre Dame and Totino-Grace High School, gathered with 100 friends and family members to watch the first round of the NFL draft. Not long after it started, he got an unexpected phone call.
Totino-Grace, Notre Dame star Alt taken fifth overall by Chargers
Forty years after his father was selected 21st overall by Kansas City, offensive tackle Joe Alt became just the third Minnesotan drafted in the top 10 in the last 20 years.
Mark Craig's mock draft: QBs, trades and the Vikings take . . .
This mock draft has offensive players taken with the top seven picks. So if you like defense, you really don't need to show up for the start.
Another big Vikings need might not be addressed early in draft
The Vikings haven't had a dominant interior defense lineman in two decades, and they might not get one in the draft this year either because of the team's even bigger needs.
Former Totino-Grace star set to follow father as first-round pick
Joe Alt, an offensive tackle out of Totino-Grace and Notre Dame, is expected to be a top-10 NFL draft pick. His father was a first-round selection 40 years ago.
How interest in the mock drafts we love so much went from zero to infinity
The mock drafts of today are 50-plus years in the making, paved by draftniks such as Joel Buchsbaum and Mel Kiper Jr.
Flores channels 'inner Zimmer,' makes pitch for another cornerback
Not everybody is fixated on which quarterback the Vikings should take in the draft.
Brian Flores, the team's defensive coordinator, thinks "you can never have enough" cornerbacks.
O'Connell has spent life around QBs. Can that help Vikings draft one?
Kevin O'Connell has been an NFL quarterback, played with Tom Brady and coached the position. The Vikings head coach shared things he wants to see in a quarterback.
Tackles are solid, but Vikings' offensive line still has big needs
Part 1 of a series: Three names to know, one sleeper and when the Vikings are likely to address their offensive line issues kick off our look at the 2024 draft.
Drafting QBs in the first round: How's that gone for Vikings?
The Vikings have drafted four quarterbacks in the first round in their 62-year history, and none higher than the 11th overall pick. That's where they are currently set to pick this year.
Vikings GM finds himself looking up at his NFC North peers
On the NFL: Losing Kirk Cousins, while financially sound in the long term, doesn't help the Vikings as they fight to catch up to the Lions, Packers and Bears.
Jones thanks the Packers, but says time with Vikings 'is going to be beautiful'
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah dismissed concerns about the running back's age, and the running back pointedly offered a reminder of his strong finish in 2023.
5 extra points: Painful payday for Vikings; an embarrassed team
The Vikings rank second in the NFL in a dubious category -- how much they'll be paying in salary to players who are on other teams.
The Vikings' QB shuffle is over for now. Let's talk guards.
What's left for the Vikings at a position that could use an upgrade, as usual?
What's next on Vikings' to-do list after split with Cousins?
Mark Craig's On the NFL: The Vikings added three players to their defensive front seven, but still need upgrades on the offensive line, a better run game and, of course, more cornerbacks.
Attention, Kmart shoppers! Bridge quarterbacks available in Aisle 3
A bridge to (the quarterback of) the future isn't necessarily a bad Plan B if the Vikings don't want to overpay for Kirk Cousins.
What can the Vikings learn from the Chiefs' Super Bowl win?
Sure, an elite quarterback like Patrick Mahomes changes any NFL franchise, but there's more to learn from Kansas City's newly crowned dynasty.
Why Purdy is the best bargain in Super Bowl history
Words themselves can't do the fairy-tale start to Brock Purdy's NFL career justice. So, here's a number to noodle on Sunday while watching Purdy quarterback the 49ers in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs.
Allen 'disappointed and shocked' by latest Hall of Fame omission
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, announced on Thursday night, includes edge rushers Dwight Freeney and Julius Peppers, but not former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, who was a finalist each of the past four years.
Super Bowl prediction: Third title for Chiefs or redemption for 49ers?
On Sunday in Las Vegas, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid vie for their third championship in five years against the team they beat for the first one: the 49ers.
The Super Bowl ingredient just as important as the quarterbacks
As the Chiefs, Ravens, Lions and 49ers prepare for divisional championship games, all four have a dream duo pushing them onward.
Mark Craig's NFL conference championship predictions
Which of the Chiefs, Ravens, Lions and 49ers will earn a ticket to Super Bowl LVIII?
Vikings' Randle finds way to mix love of football with golf
John Randle, the Vikings' Hall of Fame defensive tackle, is helping announce a golf tournament that will debut in 2025 and combine members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the PGA Champions Tour.
The Vikings passed on these non-QB players. Now they're in the playoffs.
The NFL's elite eight go beyond big-name quarterbacks, including several stars from the 2022 draft the Vikings passed on.
NFL divisional playoffs: Mark Craig predicts the final four
The No. 1 seeds — the Ravens in the AFC and the 49ers in the NFC — enter the fray after some wild-card weekend surprises.
Mark Craig previews and predicts reunion-heavy NFL wild-card weekend
Packers vs Cowboys? Matthew Stafford vs. the Lions? Tyreek Hill vs. the Chiefs? Story lines abound as the NFL playoffs begin.
NFL playoffs: Meet the 14 QBs who didn't get their coaches fired — for now
On the NFL Insider: The 14 playoff teams have 14 different situations at quarterback — some meticulously planned, some stopgaps and some Band-Aids.
Fifty years later, Foreman still sees versions of himself in the NFL
Vikings star running back Chuck Foreman is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he started the evolution of pass-catching backs in 1973.
Five Extra Points: Plenty of reasons for Vikings' 2023 failings
Start with a $13 million investment for a player who played in only four games this season.
Mark Craig's Week 18 NFL picks: Can Vikings get nudge into playoffs?
It's entirely possible for the Vikings to get all the help they need to make the playoffs. But will they help themselves vs. the Lions?
