Vikings edge Panthers in overtime

Ryan Longwell became the first kicker in team history to throw a touchdown pass as the Minnesota Vikings beat Carolina 16-13 in overtime to win their home opener. Trailing 13-6 in the fourth quarter, Minnesota executed a fake field goal to perfection with Longwell hitting reserve tight end Richard Owens for the game tying touchdown. Then in overtime, following a spectacular catch and run by second year wide out Troy Williamson, Longwell finished the job by hitting a 19 yard field goal to win the game making Brad Childress the first Vikings coach to ever win his first two games.

Minnesota was aided in their victory by an ill-advised attempt at a gadget play by the Panthers in the fourth quarter on a punt return. Chris Gamble's lateral ended up as a fumble recovery for the Vikings on the Panthers 21 yard line. Four plays later Longwell found Owens.

The Vikings won despite three sacks and several near-sacks by Panthers star defensive end Julius Peppers. Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson was 19-31 for 243 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The 2-0 Vikings will host the 2-0 Bears in a NFC North battle for first place this Sunday at the Metrodome.