October 3, 2011 Table Of Contents
GOLF PLUS
Yes, the finale of the FedEx Cup playoffs was confusing, but the event delivered high drama and a family-friendly winner in Bill Haas, who found out later how fortunate he was
Europe's tense upset victory over the U.S. quickly changed perceptions about the relevance of this grudge match between women's tours
Should PGA Tour sponsors' exemptions be used as paybacks or as a way to develop talent?
LEADING OFF
ED LETTER
Inside: THE WEEK IN SPORTS
Winless in 2008, the Lions have used a potent aerial attack to soar to a 3--0 start
By Damon Hack
By Peter King
The reigning AFC West champs are hapless, not to mention winless, and the outlook isn't likely to get any better until next April
By Jim Trotter
Oklahoma State may have beaten Texas A&M, but the Cowboys' D still lacks championship teeth, which is good news for the rival Sooners
By Albert Chen
After a regular season marked by combativeness and an inability to win, Tony Stewart has positioned himself as the Chase driver to beat
MLB PLAYOFF PREVIEW
The story of the postseason begins and ends with aces and closers—the alpha (and omega) males of October baseball. The Phillies have a heavenly rotation, but a certain MVP contender and his flawless finisher in Detroit are this year's best one-two punch
By Tom Verducci
For Phillies Nation, every game has felt like October since Cliff Lee's return. Now an ever-growing fan base wonders: Is it still O.K. to boo?
By Gary Smith
PRO FOOTBALL
The Bills are a shocking 3--0—take that, Pats!—thanks to a Harvard-bred quarterback and a spirit of togetherness that reflects their city
By Ben Reiter
PRO HOCKEY
GETTING INSIDE THE HEAD OF SIDNEY CROSBY
With his recovery from a concussion seemingly stalled, the NHL superstar sought help in alternative medicine and believes he got immediate results
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Behind a massive front five whom their own coach calls the Big Uglies, undefeated Wisconsin is playing classic Midwestern football, which may not be pretty but is ruthlessly effective
Here are the teams and themes to keep an eye on in Week 5
WALTER PAYTON
One of the game's true icons, a player so esteemed that the NFL's Man of the Year Award bears his name, Walter Payton retired in 1988 as pro football's alltime leading rusher. But even to those closest to him, he had always been an enigma, and in his final years the mysteries deepened
Point After
By Phil Taylor
Departments
It's long past time to toss some of the most ridiculous regulations in sports
The NFL's new rules against violent hits are having an impact on the new season
By Jim Trotter
A new rule (No men allowed!) will rewrite the record book in women's road racing
Edited by Alexandra Fenwick
With a kidney from his coach, a college ballplayer is back in the game
By Matt Gagne
By Dan Patrick