Leading Off

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Photograph by David Bergman

Popping Tom

Seattle defenders hit New England quarterback Tom Brady so hard that both his helmet and the football went flying. The Seahawks recovered the fumble, but the Patriots won the game 30--20, extending their NFL-record streak to 20 victories (page 152).

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Photograph by Kirk Lee Aeder/Imoco Media

Churn, Baby, Churn

More than 1,700 swimmers plowed through the Pacific off the Big Island of Hawaii at the start of the 26th annual Ironman Triathlon World Championships last Saturday. The men's winner was Norman Stadler; the women's, Nina Kraft.

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Photograph by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Sad Sox

With equally glum expressions, Boston players and fans endured Game 3 of the ALCS in Fenway Park, where the Yankees drubbed the Red Sox 19--8 to take a 3--0 lead in the series. Boston won Games 4 and 5 (page 44).