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Vikes Bring Back Win Despite Bush's 2 TDs

Posted on: Tuesday, 7 October 2008, 07:30 CDT

By Jarrett Bell

NEW ORLEANS -- Pinball offense, head-hunting defense and electrifying special-teams play converged at the Louisiana Superdome on Monday night.

The Minnesota Vikings used a 30-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell set up by a 42-yard pass-interference penalty in the final minute to post a 30-27 defeat of the New Orleans Saints.

The thrilling game included two punt-return touchdowns by Reggie Bush, a blocked field goal return TD by Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, a 222-yard, one-TD pass effort by veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte and a ferocious performance by the Minnesota defense in combating the Saints' high-powered offense.

The game wasn't settled until two seconds remained, when Drew Brees' Hail Mary throw was picked off. The Saints quarterback called it the weirdest game he's ever been involved in.

Said Vikings coach Brad Childress: "It's as good a win as it gets. Don't know if I've been in one (like it)."

Bush was held to 29 yards on 12 carries and fumbled twice, losing one. Vikings star Adrian Peterson's rushing impact was limited as well (21 carries, 32 yards) by a gang-tackling Saints defense.

Bush took over the game in the second half with his punt returns, rallying the Saints from a 10-point deficit with a breathtaking array of cutbacks, elusive moves and acceleration. His 71-yard third-quarter return closed the gap to 20-17. Then a 29-yard return to end the quarter set up a game-tying 53-yard field goal by Martin Gramatica.

Bush tied an NFL record when he returned a fourth-quarter punt for a 64-yard TD to give the Saints a 27-20 lead.

Gramatica had a chance to break a 27-27 tie with two minutes left, but his 43-yard kick sailed wide left.

(c) Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Source: USA TODAY

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