Saints hold on for 24-20 win over Bucs

After sitting out all four preseason games, flamboyant tight end Jeremy Shockey made his debut for New Orleans and had the crowd chanting his name while he celebrated a tough 10-yard catch on third down. The gain, just a few plays after his 26-yard reception, set up Martin Gramatica's field goal late in the third quarter that tied it at 10.

Shockey finished with six catches for 54 yards.

Henderson's TD reception, a career-long catch for him, came after Brees had drawn the Bucs offside and then took a shot downfield for his fastest receiver, who was wide open after Ronde Barber fell down.

"When they jumped offside it was a no-brainer" to throw deep, Brees said.

The play put the Saints up 17-13 in the final minute of the third quarter.

"We don't give up explosive plays, but they were able to get a couple today," Gruden said. "They caught us in a couple man-to-man situations and executed them perfectly."

Tampa Bay finally converted its first third down early in the fourth quarter on Joey Galloway's 13-yard reception, which extended an 11-play, 73-yard drive that ended with Hilliard's score with 10:43 left.

Tampa Bay's Earnest Graham led all rushers with 91 yards on 10 carries. His career-long 46-yard gain, on which he broke four tackles, set up Matt Bryant's 33-yard field goal that gave the Bucs a 13-10 lead in the third quarter.

Notes: Several Saints left the game with various injuries, including safety Roman Harper, cornerback Randall Gay and lineman Antwan Lake (left groin). Payton did not specify some of the injuries other than to say they appeared minor. ... Deuce McAllister dressed for the game but did not play, as expected, after missing some practice because of tenderness in his surgically repaired left knee. ... Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks left the game with a hamstring injury in the third quarter. ... Charles Grant and Bobby McCray each had one sack for New Orleans. ... Ruud had a game-high 10 tackles for Tampa Bay. ... Jonathan Vilma had nine tackles for New Orleans.