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Longwell lifts Vikings with game-winning kick
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-08 11:22

NEW ORLEANDS: Ryan Longwell kicked a 30-yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining as Minnesota overcame a superb running performance by Reggie Bush to defeat New Orleans 30-27 on Monday.

Minnesota Vikings tight end Vansanthe Shiancoe (81) catches a touchdown pass from running back Adrian Peterson (28) against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of their NFL football game in New Orleans, October 6, 2008.  [Agencies]

After Saints kicker Martin Gramatica was unable to connect from 46 yards out with 2:04 remaining, the Vikings quickly made their way down the field.

Benefiting from a pass interference call, Minnesota positioned Longwell for his third field goal attempt of the night.

After tying his season long with a 53-yard kick in addition to making a 33-yarder, the veteran kicker calmly nailed the game-winning kick for Minnesota (2-3).

Before Longwell's heroics, Bush put his mark on this one.

With the Saints trailing 20-10 with 1:46 remaining in the third quarter, Bush reeled in a punt from his own 29-yard line, sidestepped a few would-be tacklers before racing down the right sideline for a 71-yard touchdown.

After Gramatica booted a 53-yard field goal to tie the game at 20-20, Bush duplicated his previous feat.

Bush, the second pick in the 2006 draft, reeled in Chris Kluwe's punt, made a quick step to right before cutting upfield and racing to the end zone.

Bush now has three punt returns for touchdowns this season, and four in his career - which marks the most in Saints' history.

Drew Brees completed 26-for-46 for 330 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions for New Orleans (2-3), which failed to move into a three-way tie for second place in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons (3-2) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2).