Replay: Vikings 30, New Orleans 27

GAME BALLS

Reggie Bush, Saints: A pair of punt returns for touchdowns by Bush made Vikings defenders look as if they were moving in slow motion.

Antoine Winfield, Vikings: The sure-tackling cornerback had a monster first half, returning a blocked FG for a touchdown, then getting a sack and stealing the ball to set up a TD.

PLAY OF THE GAME

'THROW IT UP AND PRAY'

Time: Fourth quarter, 1:18 left

Score: Vikings 27, Saints 27

Ball: Vikings third-and-3 at their 44

The play: Bernard Berrian got free deep and Gus Frerotte fired a long pass. Saints safety Kevin Kaesviharn ran into Berrian for a 42-yard interference penalty.

The result: The Vikings got the ball at the Saints 14 and set up a winning field goal.

VIKINGS: NEXT WEEK

vs. Detroit

Noon Sunday, at Metrodome (Ch. 9)

About the Lions (0-4)

Detroit dumped President Matt Millen during its bye week, but that didn't change anything. The Lions lost to the Bears 34-7 Sunday, and QB Jon Kitna sat out late because of back spasms.

Dangerous player: Kevin Smith, RB

The Lions took Kevin Smith out of Central Florida and hope he can be a backfield mainstay, something they haven't had since Barry Sanders retired.

NEW ... AND IMPROVED?

We'll stick with the theme of our 2008 preview section all season and keep grades on the new guys and the young players expected to lead:

THE SACK MAN

DE Jared Allen

Allen put on pressure again, but didn't get a sack against Drew Brees, leaving him with two through five games.

THE DEEP THREAT

WR Bernard Berrian

Best game as a Viking. Six catches, 110 yards, 33-yard TD catch, and drew a crucial penalty to set up the victory.

THE VETERAN

QB Gus Frerotte

Led a late comeback with a TD pass to Berrian, withstood pressure nicely; is starting to shake off the rust.

THE SOPHOMORE

RB Adrian Peterson

The Saints shut him down (21 carries, 32 yards) and dared the Vikings to beat them with the pass, which they did.