Following the Browns loss on Sunday I trekked out to some local watering holes here in Baltimore. It was a loss that I could live with. Although the defense gave up several big plays, the offense showed life that I haven’t seen in years.
After watching the end up of Ravens defeat to the Eagles, I donned my Trent Richardson jersey and headed out. I live about a 5 minute walk from one of the best bar districts in the city. During my walk I pass many row homes owned by the young urban professionals of Baltimore. These are same guys who get decked out in purple (how does a grown man wear purple) on Sundays. If there is one thing Baltimore doesn’t handle well, it’s losing.
If there is one thing that I know as a Browns fan, it’s losing. I don’t need a win to be satisfied, I need to see progression. As long as I see improvement from week to week, I’m good.
Baltimore is not the same; the pure sadness on the faces of fans stumbling home from the bars was priceless. It’s one of the many reasons I hate the Ravens. While I know many fans take losses hard, the
Ravens fans act as if the Irsay’s moved the Colts to Indy again.
Not only does each individual fan take it personally, the city virtually goes into a somber for two to three days. The main point I am trying to make is that after a performance where I saw a great bit of progression, I proudly hit the city in my Richardson jersey. Additionally, I received numerous compliments on his and Weeden’s performance.
I know that one day these Browns will be great again. But I will never forget where we came from. These rough years will always be remembered. No matter what greatness we may achieve, I will always remember these years of mediocrity. That’s the difference between a fan base that has been successful for the better part of a decade and a fan base that is trying to get there.
To get where you’re going, you have to remember where you have been.
Kyle left the great state of Ohio for the U.S. Navy in 2002 and has been defending his teams against all fan bases for over a decade now. He currently resides in enemy territory in Baltimore, MD and is called to defend his Browns almost daily.
