September 17, 2017
M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, Maryland
My Friends Duncan (left), Rachel and Mike (right)
Pregame Thoughts
Prediction: Ravens win by 17
Results
Final Score: Ravens 24, Browns 10
My Record: 2-1
Almost nailed it! I am surprised the Browns scored at all to be honest. The Ravens Defense dominated like I said, but I did say “Kizer looks good” which was way off.
The Game
The Ravens defense dominated, forcing 5 turnovers, 3 sacks and repeated hits on the quarterback. Outside of a few highlight reel catches, the Browns didn’t have much going for them. DeShone Kizer looked good at times, but the Ravens defense made it hard for him to get any sort of timing down and he ended up with 3 interceptions and got benched.
Not too many offensive standouts on either side. Benjamin Watson had 8 receptions for 91 yards for Baltimore and Rashard Higgins had 7 receptions for 95 yards for Cleveland (with a few ridiculous catches too). It is early in the season but both guys are players to keep an eye on.
Joe Thomas played in his 10,000 consecutive snap for the Browns. That is an NFL record and unbelievable.
The Stadium
Overall Rating: A
M&T Bank Stadium was easy to get to and had a great pregame. Getting home wasn’t terrible either. It was a really hot day, so maybe this was just me, but they need escalators to get to the top. Who knows, they might be there somewhere. We took the stairs.
I walked around several sections and there isn’t really a bad seat. Some sections lacked restrooms and concessions but you can’t expect them everywhere. Overall great.
Love, Hate, Shout Out
Love: Inclusive tailgating. Not every stadium has somewhere that you can simply pay and then party. It was very close to the stadium and the food was amazing.
Hate: Odd giveaways. Okay, its marketing, I understand. But little bottles of hand sanitizer with a brand on it (honestly I forgot which one), isn’t a giveaway. The bottle was probably good for two uses and didn’t seem like antibacterial, it was more of straight alcoholic based water. Give a rally towel at least like everyone else or nothing at all.
Shout Out: Joe Thomas. 10,000 consecutive snaps. That is just remarkable to think about, especially when you realize he is on the Browns. Every single play he has been in there putting for 10+ seasons!
Fan Tips
Don’t get confused by the BWI airport and BWI train station, they are not one in the same (my friends learned this).
There is an all you can eat and drink tailgate somewhere around Leadenhall St and Olstend St. There were several, try to find one, best tailgate I have been to over the years (we will see if that is still true at the end of the trip).