It’s coming together for the purple and gold

For the Vikings, it was business as usual. After struggling with the Arizona Cardinals Saturday for three quarters, the Vikings scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns that led to a Vikings 20-9 victory. Delvin Cook electrified a sold-out U.S. Bank Stadium crowd of 66,336 with an 85-yard run for a touchdown.

Arizona started rookie sensation quarterback Kyler Murray, the NFL’s number-one overall pick. He was impressive — he has a strong arm, he’s mobile, and he makes quick decisions.

The Cardinals actually led 9-7 deep into the fourth quarter before the Vikings finished the deal against the Cardinals’ reserves. The Vikings are now 3-0 with Buffalo next on Thursday.

All 32 teams are finalizing decisions over the next 10 days to trim their rosters from 95-100 players to the league’s 53-man requirement. The Vikings kick off the 100^th NFL season at home on Sunday, September 8, 12 pm vs. Atlanta.

Luck hangs it up

The NFL news of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck retiring at age 30 has rocked the NFL. It’s easily the most stunning sports retirement since NBA star Michael Jordan retired suddenly from the NBA many years ago.

Luck’s body simply was not healing. “I’m going to retire,” he announced. “It’s not an easy decision, but it is the right decision for me.

“For the last four years or so, I’ve been in this cycle of injury, pain, rehab — it’s been unceasing, unrelenting, both in-season and off-season. I felt stuck in it, and the only way I see out is to no longer play football. It’s taken my joy of this game away.”

 Asked about Luck’s decision, Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said, “He’s a great player. I’ve always admired the way he throws the ball, his competitive nature, everything about him. He’s a terrific, terrific player.”