If you know me at all, you know I'm a sports pessimist...especially when it comes to my favorite teams. I enter every important game for the Bengals, Penguins, Buckeyes, Reds, etc., nay-saying, fearing the worst, and developing ulcers. But for some reason, I had an unnatural sense of calm and confidence about the Bengals this season. For the first time in years, I felt ready, excited, and confident that my team would win its first playoff game since 1990.
Sunday morning, we bundled up and ventured downtown to meet up with Jenn, Paul, her dad, and her uncle. We hung out at Yard House at the Banks while people, clad in orange and black stripes, tailgated in the street. The vibe downtown was awesome - people high-fiving strangers, fans shouting "Who-Dey?" at random. The excitement for our first home playoff game since 2009 was palpable.
Eventually, we made our way to Paul Brown Stadium, found our seats (50-yard line!), and got excited as player introductions commenced. Almost as foreshadowing, the announcer introduced us to the 'Freezer Bowl' alumni (Cris Collinsworth, Anthony Munoz, and others) in attendance. These former Bengals defeated the Chargers in the 1981 AFC Championship Game in -59ยบ wind chill temperatures.
I could have run through a brick wall I was so excited.
Then, everything went wrong.
What ensued over the next three hours was not only heartbreaking, but pretty embarrassing. A team that looked promising in the regular season suddenly imploded. No offensive line, no rush defense, little offensive creativity. The Bengals somehow made the Chargers look good. Four turnovers, a lot of peeking through fingers, and unlimited four-letter words later, the Bengals lost their first game at home all season, 27-10.
Almost in a complete mirror of my mood, it started to rain late in the third quarter and continued as we trudged back to our car. Another early playoff exit, another disappointing season.
As I warmed my hands and dried my feet, however, I realized something. In previous years, I've cried hysterically, stomped out of restaurants, and vowed never to watch sports again after a horrific loss. This time, although the disappointment was overwhelming, I actually found myself grateful to be there and share it with Wheat. In the moment, I felt so lucky to be with someone who understands how it feels to love a team this much, someone who also knows sports-related disappointment, and someone who loves me despite my frequent overreaction.
I'm so sorry about the Bengals, but it still was a wonderful date! I love you, my sweet, sweet angel! Thank you for all that you do for me -- you are the most wonderful best friend and girlfriend that ever lived. <3
ReplyDeletehoodie swap!! and shocked you handled the loss like a normal human being. you really are growing up. -_- and my, what a sweet message above^^^^^
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