Mark Craig's Fourth and Five

December 8, 2013 at 1:38AM
Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) runs through the line in second half action. The Colts host the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on the on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Indianapolis. The Colts won the game 22-14. (Sam Riche/MCT) ORG XMIT: 1145428 ORG XMIT: MIN1312011555402381
In the Colts’ past five games running back Trent Richardson has 33 carries for only 78 yards. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Three observations …

• Anyone old enough to remember Bud Grant coaching pre-1985 still finds it difficult to believe that the Vikings are at a disadvantage when they play outside in the cold. According to ESPN, the Vikings are 1-6-1 since 2006 when the temperature is below 40. The Ravens, meanwhile, are 14-2 at home, including 2-0 this year, when the temperature is below 40. Sunday's game-time forecast: 32 degrees.

• We all knew a theft took place when Trent Richardson was traded in Week 3. We just didn't realize Cleveland was the thief, not the victim.

• What Ed Reed wants — to play two more years — and what he'll get — a 2014 retirement and entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years later — are two different things.

Two predictions …

• Nick Foles (19 TDs, 0 INTs) will throw an interception at some point before he retires. Right?

• Seattle will end up with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but its seven-game winning streak will end in San Francisco.

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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