HawkFreak

I was just looking back at some replays from the game...and maybe some of the INT tips weren't entirely the receiver's fault. It looks like some of the Baker's throws made the catches more challenging than they should have been - or he was trying to squeeze them into a tight window. I just didn't want to unfairly totally blame the receivers...

Hey Everyone!

We are back home from the game and we had a really great experience! 

I wended up going with my wife, daughter, and her friend and we talked all the way home about how good it was.  I really appreciate all of your advice and help with parking, food, and tips for having a positive time in Cleveland. The stadium and facilities were very nice and we had no issues quickly getting through the gates and security check. I  read some reviews of people complaining about it taking too long, but we did try to show up with time to spare and get in early.

Overall - Browns fans were fantastic. I definitely cheered for the Seahawks when it was appropriate, but I'm also the type of fan that tries to remember whose "house" I am in as an opposing fan and try not to be disrespectful or over the top with celebrating. The home town crowd was welcoming and good-natured ribbing was expected and it actually made the experience fun. Sure - there were a couple of obnoxious fans screaming some over-the-top stuff to us - but it was literally a couple of people. .The fans throwing things onto the field and hitting a security guard was unfortunate to see, but I know that doesn't accurately represent the majority of Browns fans. 

The game...Well I wanted a good game and it was close and competitive. But I was honestly preparing myself for a long day and was seriously worried when the Browns went up 20-6. Seattle always seems to struggle in the first half (starting slow) and with early east coast starts. Both O-lines did way better than I thought. The Browns had  a couple of sacks I believe - and I don't think the Hawks had any. I was definitely disappointed with the pass rush today. It was non-existent. Neither Defense did much to slow the offenses down.  I felt like Baker had a good game and that his receivers didn't help him at all - not catching passes and tipping multiple balls that led to critical INTs. And the refs...well let's say they definitely made some questionable calls. As a Hawks fan - I remember those games (and SBs) where we were playing the refs as well as the other team. It sucks - but it is what it is. I felt like the Browns definitely kept it close all game and had chances to win it...but of course I am happy with the outcome.

Thanks again for not running me off in the first place and for the conversation. The Browns, city, and fans have earned my respect and I appreciate the experience they gave my family and I. As long as they're not playing the Seahawks - I will definitely be rooting for the Browns to get their season turned around and heading in the direction that I think many people expected them to be going this season.

40 minutes ago, SdBacker80 said:

Don’t  sit in the Dawg Pound or Near it with opposing team clothing. Don’t walk or hang out in the main tailgate lots closer to kick or right after the game.

You avoid a lot of idiots this way.  It’s not easy to just ignore and avoid some of these creatures.

We have some true idiots and I say this as I’ve attended games with friends of the opposite team and then I’ve  seen how other fans treat opposing fans in their stadium. We are bad in comparison.

there are lots of good food options by the stadium.  I like the Flatiron cafe it’s a short uber to the stadium good food drink and prices. 

Back in the day we used to stop at Corky and Lenny’s (pretty good deli) driving to the stadium coming into to Cleveland from the southeast. Grab food and tailgate. 

Thanks for the heads up. I'm still trying to decide the best place to park. I'm hoping the experience is not too bad as my family (wife and daughter) will be with me. I will definitely try to check out some of the food places.

9 minutes ago, hoorta said:

But Wilson is great on the move, no? What scares me even more is when I looked at the 'Hawks defense. I forgot you have Javedon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah there. That's strength against a very suspect Browns o-line. Nick Bosa was virtually living in the Browns backfield the entire 49ers game. I hope Kitchens has figured out you don't try and block a top pass rusher with your TE. If that happens again, it's going to be a long day for Baker. 

I did check your injury report with your LT doubtful, RG doubtful, and his backup out. So may depend on which team can harass the opposing QB more.   

Wilson is definitely one of the best on the run - especially when plays break down and it turns into a scramble drill. WR Tyler Lockette's connection with Wilson is especially effective in those situations. But Wilson has been sacked ALOT during his career despite his scrambling ability. I'm worried Garrett could have a big day against our line. I expect to see the Hawks use George Fant (backup T) as eligible (6th lineman) throughout the game to possibly add more protection for Wilson.  

I do agree it may come down to which team can somewhat protect their QB - and also which team can establish some kind of run game behind suspect O-lines.

1 hour ago, gumby73 said:

Wait..What?..  A Western PA fan as a Hawks fan? At least ☝️ Pure genius is living in Steelqueen Country 👍  Starting board Qualifying question?  Tell us this is not your tailgating camper? or you warming up in these please?        Welcome lime green alien ☝️, and trek Carefully.. We own this vaporizing gun named Hoorta>>>   What's your Hawks game plan escaping with a W in north east Ohio? Na nu Na nU 🤓   

1 hour ago, gumby73 said:

Nice! Definitely not my tailgate camper...and I've never pulled the trigger on the lime green body suit.

If the Hawks have a shot at winning - they need to find a way to continue to run the ball and utilize the quick passing / slants game (which isn't really what they like to do) in order to try and minimize the negative affect of possibly having 2 starting O-linemen out tomorrow and the potential increased pressure Wilson may be facing.

 

13 minutes ago, hoorta said:

Steve Weber runs a nice Tailgate in the Burke  Airport  lot- if you don't mind  paying  $40 bucks for  parking.  Look  him up  on Facebook, GNATS Tailgaters. I should add in both the  Burke and Muni lots, you have to be discreet with the  adult beverages. Don't be  waving  fifths of Jack  around and you'll be  fine. Put the  beer in  plastic cups. 

I'm seriously  worried that  Wilson is going to kill  us though. It will be  huge if we can get Ward  and Williams back at CB.

Thanks for this. I'll check it out. The Hawks have 2 starting O-linemen potentially out of the lineup with some injuries. I'm actually worried Wilson may be running for his life if the Browns can get pressure. Their O-line in general has been a big weakness over the years - and having starters out definitely won't help.

1 hour ago, Gorka said:

You're roughly 2hrs. away from Cleveland.

Tell us why you're not a Browns fan. After all, you've got "friends that are Browns fans".

Haha. Yeah. I get that alot. I'm originally from Eastern PA but have always not like the Eagles either. For some reason I started following the Seahawks around 9 years old. Just picked a team - who knows why I picked them? I remember liking Steve Largent. After a while of rooting for them being pretty bad - I kinda had to stick with them to see if they ever turned things around. Now it's too late - I can't go changing teams now.

Excited to attend my first NFL game tomorrow in Cleveland! I've been a lifelong Seahawks fan living in in Western PA for much of my life.

I'm looking forward to a great experience with my family at First Energy Stadium and in the city of Cleveland. Any tips or suggestions for best places to park near the stadium, eat, etc.?

And man - I am sorry about that 49ers Monday night game. Obviously I hate the 9ers and was definitely rooting for the Browns. In Western PA I have quite a few friends who are Browns fans and they are a team I am often root for because I can't stand the Steelers or their fans here. Plus I feel like there are a lot of similarities withe Hawks and Browns. I remember years of the Hawks struggling and the excitement once they finally found a good QB in RW and began to turn the corner. I feel like there's some of that same excitement with Mayfield and the talent the Browns have. 

I'm looking forward to a great game tomorrow!