Minnesota Vikings Related Info: Team Page City Page: • Minneapolis-Saint Paul Message Boards: • Vikings • NFL

Detroit Lions Related Info: Team Page City Page: • Detroit Message Boards: • Lions • NFL

PONTIAC, Michigan (Ticker) -- The Detroit Lions have a win. And a quarterback? The Lions ended their winless season under rookie coach Marty Mornhinweg as rookie quarterback Mike McMahon overshadowed a brilliant second-half performance by Randy Moss in a 27-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Cory Schlesinger scored on a one-yard run with 10:36 left as Detroit (1-12) avoided the NFL's first 0-13 start since the 1986 Indianapolis Colts.

"It was elation and total bliss," said wideout Johnnie Morton, who called the win one of the best moments of his career. "I'm just so happy, I threw my helmet up in the air. I don't know where it is."

"It means a lot to the entire team," added McMahon. "Now, let's get a couple more to end the season. We know we can do it now."

The game came down to the final seconds, which is no surprise when it comes to the Lions, who had lost each of their previous three games and seven this season by five points or fewer.

"I'm proud of the players after what this team has been through," Mornhinweg said. "I'm proud of the way they've reacted through this long season."

"We knew they were going to win a game," Vikings wideout Cris Carter said. "They've played everyone very tough. They do certain things to give you problems offensively."

Minnesota (5-8) drove inside Detroit territory in the final seconds but dropped to 0-6 on the road and moved closer to elimination after reaching the NFC championship game last season.

"We had chances, they had chances," Vikings coach Dennis Green said. "They got the win, we got the loss."

Starting for just the second time, McMahon threw for 226 yards, rushed for another 75 and a touchdown and was a major reason why Detroit snapped a 13-game losing streak, dating to 2000.

A quick-footed Rutgers product playing for an injured Charlie Batch, McMahon ran when necessary and threw accurately, completing 15-of-28 passes.

"He has a good sense of taking care of the football," Mornhinweg said. "He does that well. He made some great throws today, and his running ability really helps us."

McMahon did most of his damage in the first half but led a 13-play, 80-yard drive that resulted in Schlesinger's TD and a 27-24 lead with 8:45 to play.

McMahon converted three third downs on the drive, including a 26-yard pass to tight end David Sloan on 3rd-and-24 from Detroit's 6-yard line. He also had a pair of third-down runs, including a 22-yarder on 3rd-and-3 to Minnesota's 13.

"He presents a problem for defenses because he can run," said Morton, who had four catches for 74 yards. "He gives an extra facet to our offense."

The late drive offset an amazing display by Moss, who had seven catches for 144 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Vikings erased a 20-7 halftime deficit.

Moss, who recently said he "plays" when he feels like it, hauled in a 66-yard TD pass from Todd Bouman midway through the third quarter and a 13-yarder 1:51 into the fourth to give the Vikings a 24-20 lead.

"Anytime the ball goes to (Moss), he's going to make the play," said Bouman, who was 18-of-38 for 243 yards with two interceptions in his second career start. "He sparked us."

Moss had a series of highlight-reel catches, mostly against cornerback Bryant Westbrook, who made his first start since tearing an Achilles tendon last November.

"He's a great athlete, like a Barry Sanders," Westbrook said. "He won the battle today, but I won the war."

Even though he was dominated by one of the game's best receivers, Westbrook was happy to be back.

"When I'm out there, I have to compete," he said. "My heart does not pump Kool-Aid."

The defenses dominated the opening quarter as Lions cornerback Todd Lyght returned an interception 59 yards for a score and Vikings safety Tyrone Carter scooped up a fumble and returned it 46 yards to tie it.

McMahon recorded his first career rushing touchdown with 55 seconds left in the first period, capping a four-play, 71-yard drive he set up with a 69-yard pass to fellow rookie Scotty Anderson.

Jason Hanson kicked second-quarter field goals of 44 and 36 yards to give Detroit a 20-7 lead -- their biggest of the season -- at halftime.