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Mark Craig

Sports reporter
Vikings/NFL
A 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

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.
November 22, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 22, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 22, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 21, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 21, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 20, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 20, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 18, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 21, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 20, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 20, 2024
Vikings

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.
November 18, 2024
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