espn.com Ali Contest
The year is 2008. With TV ratings sagging, the networks are relying even more on the draw of pro football to attract viewers. Pregame shows have grown louder and longer and now feature true "star-studded" lineups. Page 2's Jim Caple peers into his crystal ball ... and wonders what Kelly Clarkson and Yasmine Bleeth know about the NFL. CAPLE: LIVE ... FOR SIX HOURS




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Jerry Jones is gloating again. David Carr and Steve Spurrier feel humbled. Marshall Faulk is a bit depressed. Michael Vick is a little confused. And Tom Brady can't quit smiling. Page 2's Ralph Wiley looks inside the Uncensored Thought Bubbles of these NFL stars (and more) to capture the gamut of emotions after Week 2.

Reel Life Critical Mass
Though "The Natural" -- No. 6 on Page 2's list of the greatest sports movies ever -- is based on a series of baseball and Arthurian myths, the filmmakers took great pains to be true to the historical period in which the story was set. Page 2's Jeff Merron looks at how well they succeeded in the latest edition of "Reel Life."
To Page 2's Eric Neel, Johnny U. was more than just a transcendant football player, he was an idea. In this week's Critical Mass column, he explains why nobody could ever beat Unitas at the game of "Johnny Unitas," and why we should take a little time to think fondly about critically ill song-writing genius Warren Zevon.

BEG, BORROW & DEAL
ESPN's "Beg, Borrow & Deal" kicked off its long journey with show No. 1 last night, and Page 2's Dan Shanoff provides a capsule analysis of each contestant's strengths, weaknesses and most annoying qualities, and unleashes the first of his weekly "Likeability Rankings" for the reality show.


Page 2 lists our choices for the 10 best NFL offenses of all time. After checking out our top 10, send us a note with your pick for the best offense in NFL history. Later this week, we'll compile our readers' list along with a poll to crown the best of them all.
10]  Green Bay Packers (1962)
When you can power sweep your way to almost 30 points a game, you've got yourself a ground game.
9]  Chicago Bears (1941)
The Bears went 10-1 in 1940, scoring 396 points, an average of 36 per game.
8]  New York Giants (1963)
Y.A. Tittle, on his way to becoming MVP, led the NFL's highest scoring offense (448 points in 14 games, despite being shut out by the Steelers in the second game of the season).
7]  San Francisco 49ers (1994)
Steve Young set an NFL record with a 112.8 QB rating, and the Niners averaged 44 points per game in the postseason.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
1 p.m. Sun. Dolphins 6½ Jets 41
1 p.m. Sun. Patriots 8½ Chiefs 43
1 p.m. Sun. Bears 3 Saints 41½
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
3:30 p.m. Sat. Michigan State Even Notre Dame NL
3:30 p.m. Sat. Tennessee 4 Florida NL
All Times ET | Bold indicates home team
Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


CALIFORNIA DIARY
The A's-Angels race doesn't really matter? In day 9 of his California Baseball Diary, Page 2's Eric Neel strongly disagrees.

THE SPORTS GUY
After just two weeks of NFL action, Page 2's Bill Simmons is ready to make all sorts of conclusions about the 2002 season.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
Gregg Easterbrook, never happier than when people are behaving badly, lovingly chronicles the usual on-field goof-ups from Week 2.

RAIDER NATION
In Part 3 of his series on the birth of the Raiders nation, Pat Toomay finds out the truth about two historically misunderstood Raiders, Jack Tatum and Otis Sistrunk.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's actor Nick Nolte, not exactly looking his best after his Sept. 11 for suspicion of DUI, and Cameroon soccer coach Winnie Schaefer. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Yankees at Devil Rays
7 p.m. ET, ESPN (regional)
New York delivers its revenue-sharing cash in person.
 
Giant at Dodgers
10 p.m. ET, ESPN (regional)
Crucial game in NL wild-card race.
 
Angels at Athletics
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Crucial AL West game. (also the alternate game on ESPN).
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., Sept. 17: Breakouts & Breakdowns
• Mon., Sept. 16: Fall TV Goes Boom!
• Fri., Sept. 13: Meet the 'Sopranos'
• Thurs., Sept. 12: The Definitive QB
• Wed., Sept. 11: Sports After 9/11

Other featured content:
• 10 Burning Questions with Eric Chavez
• Sportoon: Spurrier loses face
• "The Sopranos" Casting Call
• Page 2's Fall TV preview
• 10 Burning Questions with Drew Carey
• Page 2 Goes to the Movies
• Our Top 20 Sports Movies
• Manilow meets Kournikova
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2002
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