Wisk Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 I felt like Charles Dickens as I traveled north to root on my beloved Bengals in Chapter I of the 2005 "Battle of Ohio". For "it was the best of times; it was the worst of times"! Contrasting my football experiences between Cleveland and Cincinnati is truly a "Tale of Two Cities". Donning my Carson Palmer #9 jersey, I arrived at Cleveland Hopkins airport bound for the "unfriendly confines" of Cleveland Stadium. Although at the time, I did not know that this is what I should expect. At the airport, I reveled in pleasantries and comaraderie between familiar NFL combatants. The anticipation grew as I discussed expectations for the game and the season in general among Cleveland fans arriving there from distant cities. I felt somewhat secure, in that my companion for the game was a Browns fan. I may, then, be insulated from any serious attacks from the "dark side." After purchasing the tacit tailgating tools (BEER) enroute. We proceeded, like thousands of other NFL "lemmings" to take our perfunctory pregame place for two hours of revelry - just a block from Cleveland Stadium. Chicken and Skyline Chili were on the grill to enjoy with our libations. (Yes! That's correct! These Cleveland fans were eating the Cincinnati favorite - Skyline! I also found it odd that they were also playing Cornhole - the game that originated in Cincy - as they downed their coneys?) A good omen for the visiting team? "Possibly," I thought. Prior to the game, I learned of a Cleveland tradition - anyone wearing the other team's colors is referred to as "A$$hole" by the thousands of the Cleveland contingent. As I walked among the "enemy," I construed the reference as nothing more than good-natured ribbing between long-time rivals. I dispatched each verbal dagger with a smile, a wink and a warning that we'll talk AFTER THE GAME.As we arrived to our seats, Section 101 in the Southwest corner of the end zone, I quickly learned that I may need my "Browns fan bodyguard" who accompanied me afterall! As I walked down the steps, I felt like Donald Sutherland in the 1978 movie classic "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", who, when recognized by the infected clones, elicits pointed fingers and groans without any real semblance of brain funtion. Of course, each pointed finger was accompanied by the mindless mantra - "A$$hole!" I am beginning to suspect a void of originality here! Furthermore, the Cleveland clone behind me decided to annoint me as "Rosey Palmer" in honor of our vaunted QB and his jersey which I wore with pride. He proceeded to announce this to Section 101 which prompted more derision and a rousing rendition of "Rosie Palmer" (sung to their same tune of - "LET'S GO BROWNIES" clap clap clapclapclap! (The recurring theme of unoriginality continues). I stood to receive this honor and to goad the "soon-to-fall faithful" into another chorus in this good-natured (?) reception. As many Bengal fans may relate, while anticipating the kickoff of this "season of optimism", I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas! So I with my nachos and beer in my lap, I just settled down for this long-awaited match. As Reuben Droughns opened the game with a 24 yard run off of left guard, I felt like that child once again - who opens his present on Christmas morning expecting that special toy; only to find socks and underwear! As Trent Dilfer's pass to Dennis Northcutt on 3rd and 1 fell incomplete, I breathed a sigh of relief. But unfortunately, Droughns' opening run set the field position against us for most of the 1st half. The Bengals took their 17-10 lead to the locker room after a beautifully engineered Palmer drive. And I rose to welcome another chorus of "Rosey Palmer". The 3rd quarter began as the 2nd had ended - with another Palmer drive - punctuated with a Carson Palmer audible pass play to Jeremi Johnson for the score. Bengals 24-10! I'm feeling pretty good about this game now and took the opportunity to fork out $8 for two hot dogs and another $12 for 2 beers. I returned from the concession stand to a deafening silence. The Cleveland cacaphony had been dispatched. I walked past folded arms and long faces in return. As I reached my assigned seat, I turned and put my hand up to my ear. As I addressed the masses, I shouted "IT'S AWFUL QUIET IN HERE"! Their response was more serious. "GO HOME A$$HOLE"! I sat down and longed for sauerkraut to go with my hot dogs. A Shane Graham field goal was answered by a meaningless Dawson 3-pointer to close out the scoring as the "Clones" began to exit en masse. The Bengals would prevail - 27 to 13. I was vanquished! I could now exit with my Carson Palmer jersey and my pride!Surely, as we departed Cleveland Stadium to return to the airport, the mood would turn amicable. Wrong! Now I walked alone; several blocks from the stadium to the Rapid Transit station for the train to Hopkins. Brown jerseys leaned out passing windows with continuous calls of "A$$hole"! My directions seem to lead me into the "den of thieves" as I searched unfruitfully for the train station. I asked a group of Brown-clad fans if they could direct me to the Tower Station. The returning glare was threatening; accompanied by a stern "F*$@ You!" I replied "You're kidding right? I mean it's only a game! So you're really not going to tell me where the station is?" Again! The same response: "F*$@ You!" As some added "Go home to Cincinnati A$$hole!" I smiled and replied "I'm trying but you're not really helpful around here with that! I decided not to push the issue and walked in my winning Palmer Jersey another block to find the Tower Station. In all, I left Cleveland with a new appreciation for Bengal fans, with whom I like to join (Especially on Steeler Sunday each year). They expect the opposition, tailgate in the revelry and cheer their Bengals with aplomb! I'm sure we have our idiots and indiscretions but not with a threating "mob mentality" from my 37 years as a Bengal fan. As I boarded my flight in return to Cincinnati, I was thankful to be going home with an opening win...and to recall the words of another great Bengal, Sam Wyche: "YOU DON'T LIVE IN CLEVELAND...YOU LIVE IN CINCINNATI! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stripes Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 Rarely is such a long post so fun to read. Good stuff Wisk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC_Bengals_Fan Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 So, have you washed the stench of Lake Erie off yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.B. Bengal Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 Impressive writing wisk.Bravo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalByTheBay Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 Reading your missive was eerily familiar to me after having braved Bengals games at the Raiders, both in LA and Oakland. There's no feeling quite like that of wearing a target on your back (and front) while walking among the violent braindead. Glad you made it out okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnsonX5 Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 Thanks for sharing. That was a very enjoyable read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 Nice post. The only game in Cleveland I have ever attended was more than a decade ago and featued me in full Bengal garb being constantly pegged in the back of the head with popcorn, peanuts, and if I'm not mistaken the uneaten bits of a hotdog. I stopped turning around to see who was throwing things at my noggin when I quickly determined that EVERYONE was doing it. No matter, eyes front....the Bengals were winning. Here's where it gets fun. After halftime someone apparently pitched a cup of beer at my brainpan, but missed so badly that it hit a woman Brownie fan sitting about three seats away. Sadly, being drenched with beer did not make her more attractive. As for me, I got hit with some spray and foam, but so did about 20 other people. Best, an usher saw the fan who tossed the suds and not only did security throw the guy out...they threw out about 5 or 6 others. I didn't have to say a word. Satisfied, I turned my attention back to the game while Brownie fans nearby apologized for the behavior of others. No problem I said. No harm done. Last point. I'll guess that about ten minutes passed before the popcorn and peanuts started to plink off of the back of my skull again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalszoneBilly Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 Geeze. I guess my brother is braver than he looks. (yeah...he's my real brother don't 'cha know.) Glad you made it out alive Jimmy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Orange Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 Nice piece, laundry boy...excellent read...what's Billy doing hiding you away from all of us? Oh, that's right, I met us. Post, son...post! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Who? Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 I think I told every single Bengals fan how much they sucked the other day, I had a great time. I really don't get as excited for the Bengals-Browns game like I do against s**ttsburgh and Baltiwhore, Cincy just really doesn't bother me at all and the fans aren't that hardcore (No disrespect to you guys!). My buddy ran around drunk wearing a Browns cowboy hat before the game, I'm sure there's a decent chance one of you guys might have seen him, he was a little crazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stripes Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 I think I told every single Bengals fan how much they sucked the other day, I had a great time. I really don't get as excited for the Bengals-Browns game like I do against s**ttsburgh and Baltiwhore, Cincy just really doesn't bother me at all and the fans aren't that hardcore (No disrespect to you guys!). My buddy ran around drunk wearing a Browns cowboy hat before the game, I'm sure there's a decent chance one of you guys might have seen him, he was a little crazy. A 16 year old with a drinking buddy at an NFL game? I'd assume he's of drinking age to be doing it in such a secure location.Something sounds disturbing about this.Watch your cornhole buddy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalByTheBay Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 I think I told every single Bengals fan how much they sucked the other day, I had a great time. Imagine how much fun you might have if your team actually wins a game. BTW - typically the scoreboard determines who sucks. As such, you, your friend and your Clown cohort officially and of-record suck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 My buddy ran around drunk wearing a Browns cowboy hat before the game, I'm sure there's a decent chance one of you guys might have seen him, he was a little crazy. A Clevelander in a cowboy hat? Damn, how gay is that? Can I assume he was wearing assless chaps and a two-gun holster as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StripesNTn Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 My buddy ran around drunk wearing a Browns cowboy hat before the game, I'm sure there's a decent chance one of you guys might have seen him, he was a little crazy.A Clevelander in a cowboy hat? Damn, how gay is that? Can I assume he was wearing assless chaps and a two-gun holster as well? I bet he only has his one gun holster*points at assless chaps* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC_Bengals_Fan Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 I think I told every single Bengals fan how much they sucked the other day, I had a great time. I really don't get as excited for the Bengals-Browns game like I do against s**ttsburgh and Baltiwhore, Cincy just really doesn't bother me at all and the fans aren't that hardcore (No disrespect to you guys!). My buddy ran around drunk wearing a Browns cowboy hat before the game, I'm sure there's a decent chance one of you guys might have seen him, he was a little crazy.We're serious about our Bengals, we just have more class than citizens of certain cities that remain nameless <ahem Pissburgh>.Gee, now why is it that the Baltimore game gets you all riled up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBengalfan Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 to add to clevelands woes i was just watching the Indians game vs the As on FSN Cleveland on Direct TV and About 8 light poles went out in the 6th inning so at least its an official game ...so far As 2 Indians 0 ( lets go yankees) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBengalfan Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 sorry I love my bengals in football but in baseball Im All yankeesSorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boomerman Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 I was also at the game. My son and I endured some good-natured ribbing early on but nothing out of line.I ended up paying big bucks on the street for tickets. I had forgotten that this was the first time in a year that the Browns were undefeated and playing at home! Had great seats, down in the season ticket section. There's no doubt that the fans sitting down low are much classier than the ones in the Dawg Pound.As much as we enjoyed the game, my son made an interesting comment. "It's just not as fun winning at an away game." I agree, there's nothing like a win at PB Stadium. We're rethinking our plans to go to the Detroit game later in the year.1 and 0 BABY!!!!!! :player: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalNation1281 Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 I wouldn't know how much fun it is to watch a win in PBS, since i have never actually been to the state of Ohio, but I am sure that I will enoy the Bengals winning in KC when I venture up to Arrowhead on New Year's Day.I have a bad feeling that I will end up in a fistfight before my trip is over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobcat Bengal Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 Nice read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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