espn.com Ali Contest
Page 2's Hunter S. Thompson is intimate with brutality, as you know. But even Hunter was surprised by the violence New England inflicted on Peyton Manning, and the gift of an Edgerrin James jersey from Jimmy Irsay didn't ease the gambling pain. It was so bad that Hunter could barely pay attention to the Panthers' NFC win.
THOMPSON: A SORRY DAY FOR FOOTBALL




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Let the desperate-search-for angles game begin. Page 2's Brian Murphy says the Super Bowl hype can start with the hand-wringing over Bill Belichick's bad fashion decisions. Will his unstylish sideline sweatshirt be gray or blue? Here's everything you'll be hearing about over the next two weeks.

Rank 'Em: The Top 25 Sportoon
SportsNation wants you to rank the top 25 athletes of the past 25 years. When we put our own Eric Neel to the test, he cycled right through to a surprising No. 1. But what to do about a certain dangerous boxer?
 Sportoon watched the AFC Championship Game just like Peyton Manning and the Colts did -- in HDTV (Hardcore Defense Television). And, no offense, but the NFC matchup looked like a game show.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
The Daily Quickie thinks Ashley Harkleroad takes her designation as the "Next Anna" a little too far when she makes like Ms. Kournikova with an early Austrialian Open exit. Plus, the state of the sports union.


Now that talk of Peyton Manning's fairy-tale playoffs has ended, it's time for an appreciation of the greatest postseason quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era. And maybe, just maybe, the man who beat Manning in the AFC Championship Game ought to be considered. But is Tom Brady's 5-0 postseason record good enough to make our list?
10]  Roger Staubach, Dallas (18 games)
His statistics won't put him in the playoff record books, but the man was a winner -- first, last and in-between. Captain Comeback was spectacular in compiling a 12-6 postseason record.
9]  Joe Theismann, Washington (8 games)
Theismann's postseason QB rating of 91.4 is among the highest in NFL history, even if his other numbers weren't prolific. By expertly managing his postseason opportunities, he compiled a 6-2 record.
8]  Brett Favre, Green Bay (19 games)
Favre holds the record for consecutive playoff games with a TD pass (15 and counting), and moved into third place on the all-time playoff passing yardage list. Doesn't hurt that he won Super Bowl XXXI, either.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Feb. 19 Wolves 4.5 Kings 207
Feb. 19 Sonics 5 Sixers 193
Feb. 19 Clippers 3.5 Celtics 203
NCAA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Feb. 19 Maryland 2.5 Georgia Tech NA
Feb. 19 Arizona 2 Oregon NA
Feb. 19 Stanford 8.5 USC NA


 
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.


Lance, MJ and the Great Ones
Eric Neel dared to rank the 25 greatest athletes of the past 25 years and the Writers' Bloc immediately jumped his case faster than you can say, "Michael Jordan at No. 2." Things get a little heated.

  • Archive: Football HOF: Who's in?
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    THE SPORTS GUY
    On the eve of the NFL's conference championships, Page 2's Bill Simmons shares a few thoughts.

    RUBIK'S CUBES
    Page 2's Ralph Wiley says the QB play of Manning and McNabb will solve the Super Bowl puzzle.
    If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


    It's Kansas City head coach Dick Vermeil, left, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. This match was requested by 45 Page 2 readers. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


    Men's Hoops: NC State at Boston Col.
    6 p.m. ET, ESPN2
    Eagles fight to flirt with bubble.
     
    Men's Hoops: Texas at Missouri
    9 p.m. ET, ESPN
    Big in Big 12 since Tigers' topped OU.
     
    The Real World: San Diego
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    New season, same ol' hook-ups.
     
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