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Cue up John Mellencamp's "Pink Houses." When Page 2's Brian Murphy looks at the four teams left in the NFL, he feels like he's looking at a true cross-section of our great nation. From the blue-collar folks in Oakland and Philly to the country livin' of Nashville to the strip joints of Tampa, the Murph says he can relate to all of these cities.
MURPHY: SALT OF EARTH | DAILY QUICKIE




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For a guy who will celebrate his 40th birthday next month, Michael Jordan is still capable of taking over stretches of NBA games. Then again, there are also stretches when Air Jordan seems to be tarnishing his legacy. So, how much does MJ have left in the tank? Page 2's Charley Rosen put No. 23 under his microscope and offers a scouting report on the 2003 edition of the game's greatest player.

"Joe Millionaire" Sportoon
At Page 2, we've dated some people with skeletons in their closets -- but never anyone who was broke and pretended to be a millionaire. While the premise behind Fox's new reality show "Joe Millionaire" might be a little bit creepy, the idea of keeping "big secrets" does extend nicely to the sports world.
If you didn't spend 16 hours in front of your TV this weekend, Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe has a quick recap of the NFL playoffs: The Bucs re-enacted a beer commercial, the Raiders feasted on bad airplane food, Michael Vick flew too close to the sun and the Titans lit the fuse for a Bill Cowher explosion.

UNCOVER ANNA'S MYSTERY
Anna Kournikova doesn't usually leave much to the imagination, but she's really got the tabloids buzzing now. Ms. K showed up in Australia sporting a new tattoo on her lower back ... that was covered by a piece of tape. So, what's the subject of Anna's new body art? Page 2 ponders the possibilities.


With NFL post-season upon us, Page 2 got to thinking about all the upsets and underdogs of football playoffs past. Check out our list of the 10 greatest upsets in NFL playoff history and vote in the poll to pick the biggest shocker ever.

10]  Vikings burn 49ers in 1987 NFC divisional game
The Vikings wide receiver Anthony Carter caught 10 passes for 227 yards on a wet Candlestick Park field as wild-card Minnesota shocked San Fran, 36-24.
9]  Denver beats Green Bay in XXXII thriller
The Packers, with uber-MVP Brett Favre at the helm, seemed a lock for a second straight Super Bowl title. But John Elway, who QB'ed Denver to three of their Super Bowl defeats, drove the Broncos to a game-winning TD with 1:45 left on the clock, and finally got to hug the Vince.
8]  Jags beat Broncos in '96 divisional
In only their second NFL season, the Jags upset the Bills and then the Broncos, both by scores of 30-27, both on enemy turf -- to advance to the AFC Championship game.
7]  Seahawks stun Dolphins in '83 divisional
The 12-4 Dolphins, last year's AFC champs, seem a lock, especially playing in front of a home crowd at the Orange Bowl with star rookie QB Dan Marino at the controls. This mattered not to Seattle, who had snuck into the playoffs for the first time in their eight-year history, as a wild-card team..
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Eagles 3½ Bucs 34
Sunday Raiders 7½ Titans 47
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.


HEY, RUBE
Forget last week's reconciliation with the 49ers! The Good Doctor says good riddance to the Niners and embraces their Bay Area rivals.

THE SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons knows there is a great void in the sports world with the passing of Will McDonough.

SPORTS ALMANAC
After some exhaustive research, Page 2's Jim Caple has finally compiled the Old Farmer's Sports Alamanc for 2003.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Charley Rosen goes to the mailbag with the same passion as Kobe Bryant going to the hole.

POSTSEASON PLANS
For some, the postseason starts a little earlier than planned and Page 2's Eric Immerman has the details of how NFLers are spending their free time.

ARMED & DANGEROUS
QBs were once just pawns in the physical scheme of gridiron grit -- but palisades are so passé. Physical QBs are now at a premium.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's a little-known fact that Titans coach Jeff Fisher bears a resemblance to actor John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff Clavin on "Cheers." No wonder Fisher is sporting that beard. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Men's hoops: Missouri at Syracuse
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Both squads 10-1 and streaking into snowy 'Cuse.
 
Men's hoops: Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Should be the Sooners' state, tonight.
 
Tennis: Australian Open
9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
It's gearing up, down under.
 
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If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., Jan. 10: Skin Deep
• Thurs., Jan. 9: Dating Yourself
• Wed., Jan. 8: Say It Ain't So
• Tues., Jan. 7: Suicide Kings

Other featured content:
• Sportoon: New singals for NFL referees
• 10 Burning Questions with The Bachelorette
• The 10 biggest shockers in the NBA
• Ranking sports cities for '02
• "Win a Date with Anna" winners
Monday, Jan. 13, 2003
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