Randomness from today's Browns home game:

Special Guest: Gale went today. So, we were able to test how inept the Browns Women's and Men's lines operate at the checkpoints outside the Stadium. In a stunning reversal of fortune, I found a Men's line that got me through a clear five minutes before her. Quote from Mean Security Guy to all of the men who were waiting beyond the checkpoint, but not through the turnstile: "We're not gonna let anyone else in. The sooner you move, the quicker they get in." That shows how slow the Women's lines were today.

I was here two weeks ago when the Browns scored 51. I'm sure it's happened before, but I cannot remember the last time we've won two straight anywhere. At home, on the road, on the planet, or even the solar system.

Today's Opponent: Another division rival, the old Browns, the Baltimore Ravens. They come to town with two wins out of three games. But they really have not looked good doing it. For some reason, the Browns have been competitive lately with the Ravens in Cleveland. I can't explain it, but the games have been close. I'm at a loss to as how today's game will play out. Could we win? Maybe, but what gives anyone the right to be confident with the Browns.

The Weather: An outstanding September day to watch football. 77 and sunny. Hope you brought the sunscreen.

Today's Giveaway: The Browns got giddy and decided to give away nylon scarves which we could wave after all of our many scores. Mine quickly went the bandanna route for some sporty headgear.

Section 345: As calm as the lake today. The game had enough action to keep everyone's mind on the game, so nary a shenanigan was played out.






























Best Browns Play: After the Browns scored on their first drive, the Ravens march down the field. But Leigh Bodden intercepts a pass from McNair. On the next play from scrimmage, Derek Anderson hits Braylon Edwards for a 78-yard touchdown pass. Nine minutes in and the game is over!

Second-Best Browns Play: Kellen Winslow's 49-yard catch-and-run in the third quarter. Showed all of his strengths as a tight end in one play. The hands, the speed, the ability to break tackles, all displayed in a great sequence.

Worst Browns Play: The weekly Derek Anderson ugly interception. This one with a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Defense miraculously only gave up a field goal on the ensuing drive.

Best Line from Me: Because of the sun, there was this random we nicknamed Squinty. Apparently, his mission was to walk up the stairs of our section every few minutes, it seemed. Never saw him walk down, but there he is, all the time, going up. "Has Squinty seen one play this game?"

Best Line from Gale (noting the name, Squinty): "Nope."

Best Line from a Random (while the Browns are leading 17-3): "Shit, we're playing so well, we should be up by two touchdowns already." Uh, we were.

Oddest Browns Jersey: 39 Lehan, 53 Faine, 37 Henry.

Food Items: One soda, one pretzel, one popcorn between the two of us.

Best Fan Cam Feature: Probably the last Sunday for fans showing skin.

The Fuckin' Run: The Ravens didn't run much after falling behind early. Having said that, the Browns still managed to give up 111 on the ground. That only took 20 carries for a 5.6 average. Ugh.

Worst Stat: Jamal Lewis. 23 rushes for 64 yards. Only 2.8 per carry.

2nd Worst Stat: Raven quarterback Steve McNair threw 53 passes.

Most Interesting Stat: Browns defense gave up 418 yards and won in a laugher.

Once again, the Browns maintained their competitive edge over the Ravens in Cleveland. It's uncanny. The Ravens could move the ball between the twenties at will, it seemed. But they never posed any big play threat the entire game. And the game was decided rather early. After the Edwards TD, I never thought the Browns were in trouble. I'm not sure how to react as a fan yet, because I still sense dread around every corner. Probably DEFCON 1 for opponents, and maybe DEFCON 2 for the Browns now. After the NFL seemed to regain form in the first three weeks, week 4 provided some really odd results. The Browns now have a better record than the Chargers. And Kansas City and Oakland have also won twice. Huh?

Let's not start talking crazy yet. We have seen Browns Version 2.3 have this kind of start before. It typically ends in disaster after the bye week, which is October 21 this year. Our win this week is rewarded with a game against New England next week. Uh, that can't be good.

Anyhow, the Browns have won 2 division games this year and beat the Ravens, 27-13.

Meal of Links

After the game, Uncle F-Bomb joined us for some celebration libations on the patio of The Harp. Interestingly enough, there appeared to be a family gathering outside that ended up with a twist. Each person at the table was responsible for singing a song. Couldn't see that happening in my family.

Tom Friedman says 9/11 is over. He wants a President who thinks about 9/12.

TV in the bedroom blunts children's emotions. I guess it's OK in a minivan though.

Exercise Yard

Tractor Traylor got sentenced the other day. He tried to help a family member launder some money, that's all.

Visitor

None. It was a beautiful Browns Sunday.