Graham followed up his fourth-down conversion with a catch over the middle for a 21-yard gain to the 5 with just over a minute to go, setting up the winning score.

“I’ve never been in a game like that in my life,” said McCown, a former Louisiana Tech quarterback who has appeared in only seven NFL games. “All I know is that we never quit. All the time, coach told me it wasn’t over, and you saw out there today why you have to have faith.”

Outplayed most of the game, the Saints made big plays to pull ahead on the scoreboard in the second half. Mike McKenzie returned an interception 53 yards for a score. Quarterback Drew Brees had a 45-yard touchdown pass to Henderson, who outran double coverage and made a diving catch in the back of the end zone.

Brees finished 17-of-23 passing for 179 yards and two touchdowns. His 40-yard completion to Marques Colston on a flea flicker set up a 4-yard TD pass to Terrance Copper.

Even beyond his involvement in the failed reverse, Reggie Bush did not make much of a contribution. He rushed for 64 yards on 13 carries and appeared to be in pain after a heavy hit to his ribs in the second half.

After the game, he sat in front of his locker, still in uniform, for 40 minutes with his hands on his head. He declined to speak with reporters.

Tampa Bay’s Graham had the best day among the running backs with 106 yards on 22 carries.

Joey Galloway continued to torment New Orleans’ secondary as he did early this season. His receptions of 41 and 60 yards set up first-half scores. He finished with seven catches for 159 yards.

Notes: Tampa Bay had 466 total yards, far better than New Orleans’ 246, but could not open a big lead because two early drives ended with Matt Bryant’s field goals of 27 and 31 yards, and another drive ended with a missed field goal. ... McKenzie missed several plays on Tampa Bay’s last drive while being looked at by trainers. Payton said after the game that McKenzie was fine and did not offer any details about what was bothering the defensive back.

NFL game stories Quick look at Week 4 games STEELERS 23, RAVENS 20, OT: Baltimore loses first game of season REDSKINS 26, COWBOYS 24: Dallas can't contain Portis in 1st loss BEARS 24, EAGLES 20: Goal-line stand boosts Chicago JETS 56, CARDINALS 35: Favre throws career-high 6 TDs BUCS 30, PACKERS 21: Ryan's 3 FGs lift Tampa CHARGERS 28, RAIDERS 18: San Diego tops rival 10th straight time BILLS 31, RAMS 14: Buffalo 4-0 for first time since 1992 CHIEFS 33, BRONCOS 19: Johnson rushes for 198 yards for K.C. BROWNS 20, BENGALS 12: Anderson throws TD TITANS 30, VIKINGS 17: Tennessee 4-0 for first time ever PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Smith honors Lucas after TD JAGUARS 30, TEXANS 27, OT: Scobey kicks game winner SAINTS 31, 49ERS 17: McAlister scores first TD of year

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Texans boot chances to beat rolling Titans Trash Talk: Thanksgiving games are just turkeys ‘Rogue tweeter’ hacks account of Jets’ Clowney PFT: Batch out — Steelers start to make calls PFT: Roethlisberger ‘appears well enough’ to play Rosenthal: Steelers’ playoff future slipping away PFT: Belichick says Saints are best team in football PFT: Lions coach takes issue with Mangini’s comments PFT: Bills contact Cowher, who says no ... for now PFT: Rams’ Bulger out 3-6 weeks with fractured knee NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: