Mark Craig
Sports reporter
Vikings/NFLA native of Northeast Ohio, Craig covered the Cleveland Browns from 1991 until they left for Baltimore in 1995. When they returned as an expansion team in 1999, Craig left to cover Gophers football for the Star Tribune. He co-authored two books on the Browns and is the author of the Vikings book "100 Things Vikings Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die."
Latest from Mark Craig
Vikings
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.
September 17, 2024
Vikings
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.
September 17, 2024
Vikings
Five extra points: Vikings backups, Brian Flores, C.J. Ham bamboozle 49ers in upset win
The Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores were aggressive in outcoaching the 49ers’ brain trust in a 23-17 victory in the home opener.
September 16, 2024
Vikings
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.
September 15, 2024
Vikings
NFC North picks: Former Viking pass rusher makes an impact with the 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.
September 13, 2024
Vikings
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.
September 10, 2024
Vikings
Five extra points: Aaron Jones used (too much), Daniel Jones confused and mixed reviews for Vikings offensive line
An overwhelming defense and a balanced offense help the Vikings get their 2024 season off to a good start.
September 9, 2024
Vikings
Sunday’s three most valuable Vikings? Blake Brandel, Garrett Bradbury and Ed Ingram
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. And that starts with the interior offensive line.
September 7, 2024
Vikings
NFC North picks: Former Viking pass rusher makes an impact with the 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.
September 13, 2024
Vikings
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.
September 10, 2024
Vikings
Five extra points: Aaron Jones used (too much), Daniel Jones confused and mixed reviews for Vikings offensive line
An overwhelming defense and a balanced offense help the Vikings get their 2024 season off to a good start.
September 9, 2024
Vikings
Sunday’s three most valuable Vikings? Blake Brandel, Garrett Bradbury and Ed Ingram
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. And that starts with the interior offensive line.
September 7, 2024