espn.com Ali Contest
Hey, if Tom Cruise as Maverick can get past all of those ridiculous lines and unbelievable scenes to be the hero in "Top Gun," then Steve McNair can take the Titans past all of those high-powered pretenders to be the hero in the Super Bowl . . . even without a wingman. Page 2's Bill Simmons can just feel his need.
SIMMONS: HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE




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Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau must be spinning in their graves. Either that, or they're channeling their concerns about the newly-renovated Lambeau Field through Steve Woodward, who summons up the Ghosts of Packers Past to wring his hands over changes at the Frozen Tundra.

Ballpark Tour The Daily Quickie
Eric Neel took a look around Minute Maid Park and saw a little bit of just about everything under the sun (or roof) . . . except orange juice. Page 2's Ballpark Tour nears the end with a stop in Houston.
What is so rare as a World Series in Fenway? The Daily Quickie says it's a rock concert such as the one Bruce Springsteen will play this weekend. Plus, the defense rules and Britney disappoints.


The Tigers are making a serious run at the Mets' modern-day record for most losses in a season by failing to measure up in every phase of the game. But are they so bad that they belong on our list of the worst group efforts in history?
10]  Makers of the IBM PCjr
IBM's first foray into the home PC market was an epic failure, as disk problems forced Big Blue to pull the jr off the market after 14 months.
9]  2002 U.S. Men's Basketball Team
Three losses and sixth place in the World Championships? Used to be the U.S. could win these tournaments with its eyes closed. But bad chemistry and roster holes embarrassed us all.
8]  Brains behind Premier smokeless cigarettes
R.J. Reynolds could see the anti-smoking writing on the wall way back in 1989. But five years in development and megamillions in research didn't get these ciggies lit.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Monday Eagles 3 Buccaneers 36
MLB FAVORITE ODDS UNDERDOG O/U
Monday Braves 130 Phillies 8½
Monday White Sox 155 Twins 9
Monday A's 230 Angels 8
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.


NFL PREVIEW
What does the movie "Top Gun" have to do with the 2003 National Football League season?

THE LIST
Get out your calendar and a magic marker as Page 2 ranks the top 10 best days of the sports year.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
TMQ was uncannily accurate in his predictions a season ago. Can he match last year's haiku-water mark?

BALLPARK TOUR
Even with a losing team, a small crowd and damp weather, The Ballpark in Arlington ain't so bad.

THE HOT LIST
With the season about to open, Dan Shanoff has what's sizzling and fizzling in the NFL this year.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Grizzlies guard Michael Dickerson, left, and rapper of the former Wu-Tang Clan, ODB. This match was requested by Brian in New Jersey. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


MLB: Phillies at Braves
7:30 p.m. ET, TBS
Phils out of NL East, but not the card.
 
Monday Night Football
9 p.m. ET, ABC
Bucs defend title, starting in Philly.
 
WNBA Playoffs: Monarchs at Sparks
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
It all comes down to Game 3.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Thur., Sept. 4: I Feel the Need
• Wed., Sept. 3: Head Case
• Tue., Sept. 2: Poetry in Motion
• Mon., Sept. 1: Hot Flashes

Other featured content:
• Ultimate Scorecard: 101 best uniform numbers
• The most underrated athletes of all time
• The most overrated athletes of all time
• Page 2's Top 10 Pop Icons
Weekend Edition, Sept. 5-7, 2003
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