Recent content from Mark Craig
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.
Five extra points: Reichard's injury, interior offensive line raise concerns during Vikings win
Vikings rookie kicker Will Reichard, who missed his first two kicks of the season, needs an MRI for answers about a quad injury. The team's interior offensive line, meanwhile, had no answers for the Colts' pass rush.
Analysis: Vikings' Jones wants you to call his position 'athlete'
Running back? No. Wide receiver? No. Aaron Jones' skills eschew traditional labels and the mismatches he can create put a smile on his face.
NFC North picks: Packers, Lions in showdown while Vikings try to end skid
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds a dynamic duo in Detroit, a red-zone revelation in Chicago and a potent offense in Green Bay.
Vikings need Hockenson to do same old things in long-awaited return
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will make his season debut Sunday against the Colts nine months after having knee surgery. He says QB Sam Darnold is "going to like having me out there, and we're going to have some fun together."
New left tackle practices with Vikings for first time. Will he play Sunday?
The Vikings haven't said what their plan at left tackle is because they aren't sure how quickly Cam Robinson can get up to speed after Tuesday's trade from Jacksonville.
Vikings' plan at left tackle on hold until Robinson is able to practice
Newly-acquired left tackle Cam Robinson is expected to practice Thursday, but coach Kevin O'Connell wants him in the mix Sunday. Also, tight end T.J. Hockenson is ready to go, and the team is hopeful linebacker Blake Cashman can return vs. the Colts.
Analysis: Vikings tackle Quessenberry's cancer battle changed his life
On the NFL: Offensive tackle David Quessenberry persevered through trying times to forge out a professional career.
Five extra points: Rams open strong, face little resistance from Vikings
Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams set the tone early and held it steady, with Vikings' pass rush looking tired on the road on a short week.
NFC North Week 8 picks: Goff looks a little like an MVP, and his Lions look a lot like the NFL's best team
The Titans aren't likely to be much of a challenge for Detroit on Sunday, a day when three NFC North teams appear set up to win.
Analysis: Trouble before the snap plagues the NFL, and hardly anybody's worse than the Vikings
They stand third in the league in presnap penalties, in a season when teams are making such mistakes at the highest rate in charted history.
Former Vikings Foreman, Marshall clear another hurdle for Pro Football Hall of Fame
List of senior candidates was pared from 60 to 31 by Hall of Fame's Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee.
Five extra points: Lions' savvy, Vikings' blunders swing momentum in NFC North battle
It took Detroit a quarter to recover from a confounding fake punt, but after that it was the Vikings who were making mistakes in a 31-29 loss at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Analysis: Vikings defense isn't up to the task against top-ranked Lions offense
Make no mistake: Detroit's offense right now is just better than the Vikings defense. The Lions had 11 explosive plays, three of them touchdowns, while QB Jared Goff completed 88% of his passes.
Gilmore's wisdom shows in the championship-caliber swagger of Vikings cornerbacks
Be Like Mike: Two-time All-Pro and 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephen Gilmore said he channels his all-time idol, Michael Jordan, in clutch situations.
NFC North Week 7 picks: Will Lions' Williams add to Vikings' 2022 draft regrets?
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds receiver Jameson Williams primed to torment the Vikings and a last-place Packers team sitting pretty.
Minnesota native Jerry Seeman among 25 contributor candidates being considered for Pro Football Hall of Fame
The former NFL official grew up in Plainview and went to college at Winona State before starting his career.
Six weeks into the NFL season, who's leading the postseason awards?
Way-too-early awards show has O'Connell as coach of the year and Cowboys defense as biggest disappointment
Presenting … the best Vikings tale you've probably never heard
On the NFL Insider: Sammis Reyes' story began in Chile, on a basketball court, and wound through a U.S. boarding school (and some day-old doughnuts), a few colleges, two other NFL teams and football positions on both sides of the line.
NFC North Week 6 picks: Lions return to a schedule packed with challenges
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig took a look around the NFC North, turned up teams with reasons for optimism and forecast a Sunday sweep.
Five extra points: Rodgers fooled, Jefferson flustered, Reichard flawless
In the Vikings' 23-17 win in London, Brian Flores' defense took away Jets QB Aaron Rodgers' security blanket, the Jets smothered Justin Jefferson, and Will Reichard was stone cold.
Analysis: O'Connell's bond with Jefferson helping Vikings in more ways than one
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has encouraged superstar receiver Justin Jefferson to set the standard for his teammates when it comes to playing smarter, tougher and with more passion.
NFC North Week 5 picks: Who will make a move while Lions rest?
A spin around the NFC North finds the young QBs for the Bears and Packers each facing a veteran who can't be counted out.
Vikings' Darnold named NFC offensive player of the month
Darnold has led the Vikings to their first 4-0 start in eight years while pacing the NFL in touchdown passes (11) and passer rating (118.9).
Marshall, Foreman make initial cut for 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class
Former Vikings Jim Marshall and Chuck Foreman are among the 60 senior candidates to advance to the next stage in the voting process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.
Hockenson will return to Vikings practice on Friday in London
Vikings star tight end T.J. Hockenson sustained a torn ACL last December and had surgery in January. The team plans to open his 21-day window to come off injured reserve this week.
Analysis: Under siege, Rodgers fortunate his likely farewell to the Vikings is in London
With Sunday's showdown happening in London and not U.S. Bank Stadium, Aaron Rodgers is lucky he won't be saying goodbye to the Vikings fan base in Minnesota.
Unsung Viking of the week: Grugier-Hill keeping up with Pace
Filling in for the injured starter Ivan Pace Jr., Vikings linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill has an interception in each of the last two games, helping the Vikings jump out to early leads.
Five extra points: Run defense's goals, Love's regrets, O'Connell's risks shape Vikings' win
The Vikings' Kevin O'Connell outcoached the Packers' Matt LaFleur; the Minnesota defense thwarted the NFL's No. 1 running game; and Green Bay's QB was kept off-balance.
Analysis: QB whisperer? Vikings' O'Connell is also a kicker whisperer.
Coach Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings seem to have found the right rookie kicker in Will Reichard, who heads to Lambeau Field unbothered by the team's history there.
NFC North picks: Packers pass rushers looking forward to Vikings' visit
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds Marcus Davenport injured again, Cole Kmet thriving in Chicago and a pair of Packers eager to see Vikings QB Sam Darnold.
Vikings' Jefferson plans to avenge Alexander's 'Griddy' in Green Bay
The last time Vikings star Justin Jefferson played at Lambeau Field during the 2022 season, Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander was the one celebrating with Jefferson's signature dance.
Vikings' Addison says he's ready to play vs. Packers
Wide receiver Jordan Addison has missed the Vikings' last two games with an ankle injury, but says he's "feeling good to jump back in" when the team travels to Green Bay on Sunday.
Darnold's career resurrection still in 'Yeah, but ...' stage
The Vikings are 3-0 behind quarterback Sam Darnold. But he also started 3-0 with the Panthers in 2021, and that season did not end well.
Moved by Favre, former Vikings QB Kramer says he has dementia
One day after former NFL quarterback Brett Favre announced he had Parkinson's disease, Vikings great Tommy Kramer said he received a dementia diagnosis a year ago.
Analysis: For Vikings' Flores, 'it's the players, not the plays'
On the NFL: Part of the Vikings' undefeated start is a defense that ranks second in the league in points given up, and that begins with the autonomy coordinator Brian Flores gives his players
Vikings' unsung player of the week: Phillips' generosity stands out
Vikings nose tackle Harrison Phillips helped one teammate get an interception and another get a sack in the team's rout of the Texans on Sunday.
Five extra points: Few signs of the old Sam Darnold or that Stephon Gilmore is old
Darnold, Gilmore, Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Phillips were among the Vikings players who stood out in a 34-7 dismantling of the Houston Texans.
Vikings' O'Connell, known as Mr. Nice Guy, unleashes his 'dark side'
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has been showing more of an edge this season, according to his players, his assistants and himself. Vikings fans need know "I got it in me," he said.
NFC North picks for Week 3: Bright spots in Chicago and Green Bay amid QB questions
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds rookie growing pains for the Lions, third-down prowess for the Bears and a reliance on the run for the Packers.
Vikings' Jefferson says he plans to play Sunday vs. Texans
Minnesota's star receiver said his injured quad "feels great" and he's looking forward to a matchup with his former LSU teammate, Houston cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
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.
