NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Brian Griese replaced injured rookie Chris Simms Sunday and threw for 194 yards and a touchdown as Tampa Bay fought off New Orleans, 20-17.
Simms made his first professional start and helped stake Tampa Bay to an early 3-0 lead by completing five of eight passes.
But he suffered a shoulder injury on the final play of the first period when he was sacked and fumbled.
Griese came on to complete 16 of 19 passes and helped give Tampa Bay its first win of the season after four losses. Kent Dilger caught a 45-yard scoring pass from Griese and Ronde Barber returned a fumble for a score.
New Orleans (2-3) lost its third straight.
Dilger's touchdown catch gave Tampa Bay a 20-7 lead, but the Saints came back on a three-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Brooks to Joe Horn and a 47-yard field goal by John Carney with 3:43 to play.
Deuce McAllister gained 102 rushing yards for the Saints on 21 carries.
