Mark Craig

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.

Thanks to some fortunate victories, a pretty good defense and Aaron Jones, the Sam Darnold Era has started off pretty well.

In Mark Craig's five extra points, he looks at the Vikings defense's strength on first down, the offense's misuse of Aaron Jones and the struggling punt return unit.

Analysis: ‘Running backs matter,’ boasts Vikings’ Aaron Jones, as NFL sees rising rushing numbers

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.

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.

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: Will Reichard may have bigger concern than misses while an old Vikings concern remains

Aaron Jones, listed as a running back, is on pace for a career high for receiving yards and his second highest total for receptions.

Mark Craig's NFC North picks: Who will win Packers-Lions showdown? Will the Vikings end their skid?