Super Bowl XLI - Full House

McHenry, MD -- 2/4/07

Bob Saget knows what he's talking about. Seriously.

For those of you who don't watch How I Met Your Mother on Monday's, and if you don't have DVR, I don't blame you (24, Prison Break, Heroes, Studio 60 - that lineup is tough to crack). There are some valuable lessons to learn, and not just from the former Doogie Howser. The end of each episode includes a moral-of-the-story narrative from the former Danny Tanner, and this week, his prose seemed apropos for my Super Sunday blog:

"I don't remember who won. Hell, I don't even remember who played. What I do remember is that we drank beer, we ate wings, and we watched the Super Bowl together."


See. Bob Saget knows what he's talking about. Save for the people of Indiana, Ill., the crowd at the Mandalay Bay sports book, Reggie Wayne's geometry teacher and one proud relative of Adewale Ogunleye from Staten Island, the Super Bowl is not just about the game. It's about good friends, five-layer nacho dip and an unparalleled anticipation for commercial breaks.

For the fourth year in a row, I made the trek to the far reaches of Western Maryland, in what could technically be called 'Steeler Country', and spent Super Bowl weekend in a cabin at Wisp Mountain. A weekend full of frigid wind chills, poker chips, potato chips and potato wedges. Homemade potato wedges, I might add. My friend Cantor (I'll use last names since there were two Jason's in the house) and I pulled up chairs to the table and started cutting potatoes around 4:00 in a scene reminiscent of the back room at Satriale's in The Sopranos.

By 6:00 the afore mentioned nacho dip was gone, the SalesGenie.Com Pre-Game Show came to an end (seriously, SalesGenie.com), our three-quarter pound old-bay infused burgers were on the grill and we were ready for some football! Or at least another 35 minutes of pre-game. The opening segment was impressive, with vignettes from around the country showing friends and family of Bears and Colts players offering their support, with the top performance going to Julius Jones of the Dallas Cowboys. The brother of Bears running back, Thomas Jones, did sport a Bears jersey in the video, however, when the list of all time great Bear 'backs was being recited, he chimed in nicely with a salute to his Cowboy predecessor, Emmitt Smith. Coincidently, Emmitt also made a brief appearance on How I Met Your Mother, but his appeal seemed to be equal parts football and dance.

The pre-game festivities continued in Miami with Gloria Estefan, an obvious choice. Not so obvious - the Ostrich dancers from Cirque De Soleil. Even more surprising, Solomon Wilcots interviewing Brain Urlacher on the field moments before kickoff. Something tells me Urlacher wasn't pleased with that press request.

As it came time for Sherman (Jason No. 2) to flip the burgers, the first of the real Super Bowl commercials came on - a party at Chad Johnson's house for the NFL Network. Apparently Chad has friends in high places with the likes of Martha Stewart, LL Cool J, Reggie Bush, Janet Reno, Jimmy Fallon, and the kid from Two and Half Men all enjoying the game. My favorite line, however, was delivered by the guy talking to David Beckham, who upon learning that Becks was using the 'I play football in LA' gimmick at the party, tells him that it might be tough in this crowd, but "I like the angle." Speaking of which, the second-best line of the day was the tagline for the Combos commercial, "What your mom would feed you if your mom was a man." How do you sell that to a client?



Time for the kickoff. Two words - Devin Hester. One more word - peak. As in the game, my weekend, the NFL season and Jim Nantz all peaked as Hester ran past Adam Vinateri on his way to scoring the first-ever opening kick for a touchdown in Super Bowl history. Of course it was the second such accomplishment in a month in a championship football game as Ted Ginn Jr. preempted Hester in the BCS title game in January. Unfortunately for both speedsters, their ultimate highlight will simply serve as a dramatic opening to their opponents' Championship DVDs.

The rest of the game felt soggy, mostly because the rain drops on the cameras never seemed to go away. I know I'm still a television production novice, but even I carry lens cleaner on the field. I don't know if HD cameras are impervious to aloe, but a Kleenex might have been useful. Of course the stormy weather played havoc with the action on the field as well with six turnovers in the first half. But, the biggest turnover was yet to come.

And I'm not talking about Oprah deciding to appear in a commercial with David Letterman, although that was weird. I am of course describing the Rex Grossman interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. And now here comes my Ravens reference for the day. Tell me that didn't look exactly like the pick Peyton through to Ed Reed when No. 20 was ruled out of bounds before beginning his run-back. How come CBS, Tony Corrente, and the rest of the football-watching world gave Kelvin Hayden a chance to return it for a touchdown? The only clean camera in the stadium managed to get a close up of his feet tip toeing around the sideline before taking off for the score. The play stood as called, but at least it was called that way. If only.

As I mentioned before, the game loses some of its luster when surrounded by the pageantry of Super Bowl Sunday. The halftime show and commercial onslaught tend to overpower the senses during the game and this year provided a few key memorable moments.

I don't know what it means that my favorite part of the Prince performance was his 30-second Foo Fighters cover, but I think it has something to do with not liking Prince and really liking Foo Fighters. My recommendation to the NFL is to actually get Dave Grohl and the boys to play in Arizona next year. But that's just me.

This year was also the year of consumer generated content. CGC for those in the know. Two Doritos commercials, one for Chevy, and a highly touted spot for the NFL were all written way off Madison Avenue, and pretty far away from O'Donnell Street as well. The results were surprisingly good and the Doritos 'Cheesy' spot even made a few top ten lists.

Of course the 'trained professionals' still had their say and featured such 'stars' as Kevin Federline (for Nationwide), Mapasaurus (for Garmin), and some poor soul labeled Turkey Neck (for FedEx). Special effects experts also shared the stage with some spectacular graphics for Coke's Grand Theft Auto reincarnation and Don Shula and Jay-Z's 21st century game of magnetic football. That was pretty cool and would look great next to those Ravens recliners we saw for sale in Miami.



As the fourth quarter wore down, the poker chips came out, and my friends awoke from their burger-induced coma. Although the game was coming to an end, the weekend still had a few hours left and I had to seek revenge on Marc, our host for the weekend, who pulled an 'eight' on the river the previous night to knock me out of our game. And even though we expected the Colts to win on Sunday, we were committed to the immortal words of Mr. Saget:

"Because sometimes, even if you know how something is going to end, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the ride."

Super Bowl Week - Experience Necessary

Miami, FL -- 1/29/07.

Just when the scars of our playoff loss had started to heal, extenuating circumstances brought Lauryn and I to Miami, home of Super Bowl XLI, to rub a little sea salt in our wounds.

Unfortunately our Super Bowl experience was not exactly what we had hoped for all season. For starters, we found ourselves in South Florida a week before the football world converged on the Sunshine State. And on this trip there was no team plane. No police escorts. No lobster tail (I know – you feel real bad for us). All we had this week was a rented Chevy Cobalt and Google Maps to guide our way.

Despite the early arrival, the city and its surroundings were already bathed in aqua and orange. Airport signs, billboards on the highway, street banners along Collins Avenue, and Dolphins Stadium was covered in freshly minted Super Bowl signage. Not quite ‘a site for sore eyes’ but a scene sure to make any Ravens fans’ eyes sore.

As I mentioned, we were not in town for the game or the gorgeous weather. Although when I saw that MSNBC awarded Miami the distinction of ‘Best Weather in America’ on Saturday, I made sure to walk through the surf for at least a few minutes. Now Lauryn was attending an Editors Conference in Miami Beach and I followed her south after learning that my grandmother needed surgery (thankfully all is well so far). As you might imagine, my grandma doesn’t hit the clubs of South Beach the way she used to and spends her time strolling the shady walkways of her seniors-only community in Coconut Creek, which sits about 20 miles to the north of Fort Lauderdale. So as I wore a path in the Florida Turnpike each day and night, I had to pass by the epicenter of the NFL and the exit for ‘Stadium Parking’ way too often. A reoccurring reminder of ‘what-if’.

Of course the first thing I did when I received the keys to my shiny black Cobalt was find the ESPN affiliate on the radio. Colin Cowherd, Chris Mortensen, and a local duo dubbed ‘Dos Amigos’ filled me in on all things Super Bowl. The player’s schedules for the following week. The key match-ups to look for during the game. The current betting lines in Vegas for just about any Super statistic including, and I couldn’t make this up if I tried, the odds of the Colts scoring more points next Sunday than LeBron James. And if I heard correctly, I think LeBron was giving 3 points.

But the best bites on 790 The Ticket were the on-air promotions for the hottest tickets in town – to the Super Bowl parties. By the sounds of it, I think the faces of hip-hop will outnumber Players Inc. by the time the week is up. Listen to this line-up of party hosts and headliners:

Snoop Dogg and Kid Capri at the appropriately titled, Mansion, with admission rumored at $1,000 per person. Hootie & the Blowfish and a pre-game tune up from Prince at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra will be hosting a party together. Seriously, both of them. Shaquille O’Neal, who promised white tigers at his event to try to top the camels he invited to his last soiree. Hugh Hefner, whose extra extravagant extravaganzas are typically billed as the most exclusive ticket during Super Bowl week – and that includes the little game they play on Sunday. Although Hef may have truly outdone himself with a mid-week promotion that allows lucky fans to challenge a playmate on Playstation 3. A Super Sunday brunch with Dick Butkus. And the party to top all parties, a South Beach bash featuring two of the town’s titanic couples, Beyonce and Jay-Z, with J-Lo and Marc Anthony.


However, the nightlife won’t be the only event on the beach this week as Lummus Park plays host to the NFL Network and ESPN’s tent city, so you can be sure to catch SportsCenter live from Ocean Drive all week, not to mention Mike & Mike, PTI, probably Bassmasters and the Denny’s PBA Bowling Tour as well. I mean if you work at ESPN, you have to find a way to get to the Super Bowl, right? The grand stage was already set up as of Sunday morning, but none of the on-air talent was in sight just yet. I’ll have to catch up with Rachel Nichols another time.


From the world of marketing, Motorola is apparently sponsoring the entire beach as there were more promotional stands featuring the big ‘M’ along the shores than foot showers. Each stand highlighted an NFL star from the season including one of our own, Steve McNair. Obviously Steve would have liked to stroll under the palms in person, but at least his presence will be felt on the corner of 10th and Deco all week long.

The famous drive was also the sight of the 5th Annual Miami Marathon and Half Marathon this weekend. For reasons I’ve yet to understand, Lauryn enjoys the thrill of running for hours at a time and her friend Katie joined her for an early morning jog around the city. They decided 13 miles was enough for one day, but they picked the right path as the trail took them over the bay, along Ocean, and back around to American Airlines Arena. Of course I was in charge of the driving and photography, but luckily the clubs of South Beach finally calm down around 6AM so parking was easy.

Our last trip up the Turnpike was stopped short as we were finally pulled in by the force field surrounding the Stadium. The parking lots served as the site for The NFL Experience and with a few hours before our flights, we thought we would complete the ultimate tease weekend with a walk around the NFL’s playland.


The NFL Experience is geared towards two distinct target audiences: kids and the kids inside their parents. Children can attempt field goals, throw passes, catch passes, run the 40, pose with the Super Bowl trophy, take photos with shoulder pads on, meet players, get autographs, learn the history of the league, and even learn to cheer like a pro. Parents, well, they seemed to be doing the same exact things, along with another event just for adults that I like to call merchandise madness. Between the NFL Shop and the Topps Football Card Show, the souvenir supply showed no signs of running low. Now I’ve been accused of buying sports memorabilia simply manufactured to appear special, but everything inside the NFL Shop could have been considered commemorative as all products sported an official Super Bowl logo. The winner for most unnecessary commemorate piece of clothing – the Super Bowl XLI bikini. The most tempting item on the floor – the team couches and recliners that you thought only existed in the NFL Shop commercials. How cool would it be to have a Ravens couch with two Ravens recliners in your basement? We were tempted.

Of course just about everything else came with a Bears and/or Colts logo embedded on it. I can’t imagine the scene inside the printing presses of the NFL’s suppliers last Sunday. As soon as Tom Brady was intercepted with a minute to go, the factories must have loaded the coal for a long week of working the line.

As we left the tents to head back to the airport, we were definitely ready to leave, but also felt like we were leaving so much behind. A chance to party with Snoop, beat Miss December in Madden, our purple and black couch, and the opportunity to bare witness to one of the 41 most important sporiting events in history. The Super Bowl truly is a spectacle and now the wait till next year drags on even longer. We’ve had a taste for the Experience and it taste likes salt.

Divisional Playoffs – The Party’s Over

Baltimore, MD -- January 13th, 2007.

That hurt. Not like a punch in the mouth, but like watching your best friend get punched in the mouth. Then again in the stomach.

As most of the country watched on Saturday, the Ravens storybook season came to an ugly end against, gulp, the Colts. It was a bitter pill to swallow as the city’s purple passion surged over the last two weeks, peaking in the parking lots prior to the game.


When we arrived at the stadium, nearly four hours before kickoff, the lots were full. These weren’t just the diehard fans that like to get to the game early; this was every ticket holder and their extended family. It didn’t matter if you had a ticket to the game, this was the biggest party in Baltimore in more than twenty years and the city was ready to celebrate. Even the tollbooths on the way downtown were decorated in Ravens gear, with a team logo pasted on the wall right before you entered the Harbor Tunnel.

Up in the press box, or should I say ‘press box 1’ since they had to double the number of seats for the media this week, the national attention the game was receiving was clear. Michael Wilbon of PTI fame and Peter King, who appears in print and on screen for just about every NFL news outlet, joined the local beat writers in the cafeteria. Speaking of which, the food on display also received a post-season upgrade as we were treated to prime rib and roast turkey in place of Cheerios and lasagna-like egg squares.

The cafeteria also provided good working space for those in charge of the in-stadium entertainment. This week they were planning the traditional fighter jet flyover and guess who was in on the meeting – the fighter jet pilots! Of course their stay was brief as they still had to drive out to the airfield, but it was pretty cool to hear Larry, the team’s Senior Director of Broadcasting, give orders to the Air Force. Civilians probably don’t get that chance too often.

The best part of all was since the game would be broadcast on CBS, all the TV’s were already set to WJZ and the 2:00 timeslot was filled with Big East basketball – Syracuse vs. Villanova. As an Orange alumna, I couldn’t have picked a better pre-game show. Although I should have noticed an omen posted on screen as they showed that the Colts featured four former Syracuse graduates while the Ravens roster included just one. Two hours before the game, the Colts already had a 4-1 lead.

On the field before kickoff was the only Baltimore sports icon to make it through the week on top, Cal Ripken, who was on hand as the team’s honorary captain. Cal is much taller than you might imagine, and a little older, but he looked good in his purple fleece. He was on the field with his whole family and for those who watch the O’s each night, his wife and daughter are just as familiar faces as Cal. He obliged many fans’ requests for photos and had a perma-grin for at least an hour as I think even Ripken was enjoying the magic of the Ravens.

As you can probably tell, I’ve spent a good portion of my posting on the pre-game because replaying the big moments of the actual game still gives me heartburn.

As opposed to our weekly wiring, the RaveTV crew split in two this week, one to cover the offense, one for the defense. Lauryn, Jeff, Terry and I were assigned to Ray Lewis and his band of brothers and we were treated to a chess match that would make Gary Kasparov proud. Ray vs. Peyton was special, but Reed vs. Manning became the main event as Ed snatched two interceptions and had a third tipped away. The defense continued to overwhelm the great Colts O and forced them into five field goal attempts. Unfortunately, Indy signed the greatest post-season kicker in history this past off-season and he made them all, including a 51-yard boot that bounced over the cross bar right to the left of Jeff and I. This is an easy pun, but things just seemed to be bouncing their way all day.

Holding the Colts to field goals kept the game within reach. But that’s just it; it was always within reach, but never in our grasp. That’s what made it so hard. The fans felt the same way we did on the sidelines. Swings of excitement would shake the stands every time the defense would get a stop, but the offense couldn’t overcome four turnovers. Credit to Ravens Nation, some of the signage in the stadium should receive Emmy consideration. Their were slogans that referenced the distant past - “19 Will Always Be Greater Than 18”; as well as those that referenced more recent history – an empty TV screen cut-out that read, “Pittsburgh’s view of the playoffs”.


When it was over, the game, our season, and my fairytale came to a sooner than expected finale. Once the pain wears off, I’m sure I will look back on the excitement of a once in a lifetime experience with joy. But there is no joy in Mudville, or at the top of Brewer’s Hill, so I now have to head back to my office at the Natty Boh Tower. It’s time to turn out the lights.

Playoffs Eve - Move On

Baltimore, MD - 1/12/07.

I confess.

On March 28th, 1984 I was three years old, lived in the suburbs of Northern New Jersey, and was still about three years away from laying eyes on my first football game (Super Bowl XXI from what I can remember). Clearly the Colts move in the middle of the night missed my sports radar but the local media and fans over the age of forty have been sure to fill me in on over the last few days.

I can’t imagine the pain. The suffering. The size of the pit in the collective stomachs of Baltimore football fans. I had my best friend move to Florida when I was in High School, which I think might have felt the same way, but only if the rest of New Jersey also considered him their best friend. Of course we didn’t even have our drivers licenses yet so I doubt he was able to meet that many people. Long story, well long, I suppose I can’t relate, which is why I have to advocate a new slogan for the next 24 hours, Move On.

Let me be clear. To Ravens fans and Colts historians alike, do not forget. Simply Move On. I know it’s not simple, but we have a new task at hand and only so much airtime on the local sports talk shows to talk about the game. It’s not worth dredging up the past. Park the backhoe in the garage and start looking to the future.

Exit10 lights up the Natty Boh Tower

The transformation has already begun. Purple has grown on this town. From the offices of Exit10 at the Natty Boh Tower to the Pagoda in Patterson Park; from the steps of City Hall to the storefronts of Dulaney Plaza; Baltimore County and beyond has a new look this winter and there’s not even a hint of a horseshoe. Unless of course you count the “Beat Indy” t-shirts being sold along Pratt St., with ‘Unitas 19’ on the back. Don’t fret; the shirts are only sold in black and purple. Johnny U will always play for Baltimore.

Dulaney Plaza in Towson shows off its Ravens Spirit

Considering the Ravens have won more Super Bowl’s than both of their former franchises have combined for since the spring of '84 (Browns and Colts in case my attempt to be clever didn’t work in that sentence) it only makes sense that the city is ready to embrace another run at a title. The moons just happened to align last weekend to send Indianapolis to Baltimore. We’d all be singing the praises of Tom Brady and predicting the sweat suit ensemble for Belichik had the Chiefs found a way to run on first down. Instead, the Irsay’s midnight run has received as much as press as the Colts pass attack.

It’s not too late though. If David Beckham can move to Hollywood after 15 years of playing across the pond, than surely Baltimore football fans can learn to focus all of their passion on the men in purple. “Pass the tardy sauce, Dwight,” (I can’t help myself, I love The Office this year) and pour a little on top of those crab cake sandwiches you can get on the club level. Ravens fans, it’s about time. Hopefully the Ravens players will follow suit on Saturday and simply, Move On.

Week 17 – Hawaiian Fusion

Baltimore, MD -- 12/31/06.

Mele Kalikimaka gets all the love, but there is another Hawaiian saying that deserves some attention this time of year. Hau'oli Makahiki Hou (pronounced how-OH-lee mah-kah-hee-kee ho) is the island greeting for Happy New Year and for at least one weekend, the Baltimore greeting as well.

Over the past sixteen weeks I have tried to capture the thrill of being on the plane, along the sidelines, and in the locker room of one of the NFL’s elite teams in 2006 (I picked quite a season, right?). Well every time I sit down and write about one of our road trips, I inevitably describe the Saturday night dinners we’ve treated ourselves to in cities across the country. From steak to sushi in Nashville to New Orleans, ‘On the Road with Ravens’ has been as much of a culinary crusade as it’s been a football fan’s fantasy.

However, I have yet to highlight the cuisine of the city we call home, that is until now. On the eve of our last game of the regular season, the RaveTV broadcast department enjoyed a night out at one of Hawaii’s best-known restaurants (I know, I said Hawaii, but you’ll understand in a minute). Roy’s, named after its founder Roy Yamaguchi, is known for its Hawaiian Fusion cuisine. Not surprisingly, the chain includes six locations spread amongst the islands of Hawaii including the original Roy’s of Honolulu. Now there are Roy’s restaurants in 10 continental states, but only three in the entire northeast, so I say its still best known back home. Although word has apparently spread to Owings Mills.

The Inner Harbor is host to one of the three Roy’s in the East and that is where we celebrated the night before New Year’s Eve. An appetizer canoe for two, macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi, and a chocolate lava soufflé cake validated our choice, and Roy’s reputation. And we weren’t the only Ravens employees, or should I say employers, to dine in paradise as Ravens team owner Steve Biscotti happened to be seated at the table next to ours. A surprise for sure, but a welcome one as I introduced myself, we all wished him and his wife a Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, and he even requested to be included in our team picture. (I don’t think he realized that the photo now became blog-worthy, but the rest of the table sure did.)


Game day started a few hours later than usual this week to expose the rest of the country to the Ravens defense they were going to see in this years playoffs. It had been exactly two weeks since the last Ravens home game and in that stretch of time, the team had clinched the division title, five players had been named to the Pro Bowl, they handed the Steelers another blowout loss on Christmas Eve, and had put themselves in place for a first round bye. Not a bad two weeks of work and the Ravens faithful were more than ready to show their appreciation.

The game-day entertainment staff obliged and introduced their own dish of Hawaiian fusion by introducing all of the 2006 Pro Bowl starters and alternates, along with Pro Bowl players of the past. The line up was not only lengthy, but legendary, and Jeff, Lauryn, and I managed to make our way into the tunnel to be a part of the pre-game party.

The smoke machine was apparently set to ‘Tornado’ as the white clouds engulfed the players while the last four men to be introduced, Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs, Steve McNair, and Ray Lewis, paced in the hallway. To make the scene even scarier, the Ravens were wearing their alternate all-black uniforms making their faces and feet the only visible views. My role was to spot Jeff as he weaved in and out of the big bodies, but it was hard for me to see where he was going. I just held on to the back of his jacket and eventually found myself face to back with some rather familiar jersey numbers. I decided to keep my distance and attach my back to one of the walls as I watched in awe. Just imagine Ray Lewis, dressed in full pads and an all black uniform, pumping himself up in a sea of smoke. Hollywood has nothing on M&T Bank Stadium. George Lucas would be jealous.

The game stayed closer than expected. The only first half highlight was courtesy of this weeks wired Raven, Terrell Suggs, who recorded a big sack on Bills quarterback, J.P. Losman. Sizzle, as he is affectionately known by his teammates, celebrated during the ensuing timeout and even called over J.P. to thank him for the opportunity. I’m sure Losman was thrilled.


The score in the third quarter was 9-7 and Ray knew his defense needed to make a play. “Ray came on the field in the middle of the third quarter and said, ‘Good teams don’t let teams hang around.” Chris McAlister repeated. “Somebody has to do something, we have to all make a play.” Of course in 2006, the difference has been that when the defense decides its time to make a play, they almost always do. Sunday was no different. Moments after Ray rallied the troops in the huddle, C-Mac intercepted a pass and returned it to Jeff and I. Fortunately we were in the endzone and the return counted for a touchdown. The game was out of reach. The bye was secured.

As the game ended, Jeff and I followed Suggs into the locker room. After 16 weeks, I assumed I had witnessed just about everything an official press pass could get me. I was mistaken. The locker room doors closed behind us this time and I had the privilege of listening to Brian Billick give his post game speech. Chills filtered down my back as I watched players congratulate each other and surround their coach. Billick made sure everyone understood how special it is go 13-3. I understood. He closed with the familiar and possibly Hawaiian phrase, ‘takeanee’, before the team prayer. And if our prayers are answered, we will get to celebrate again from another land where palm trees sway.

Week 16 – Refresh. Refresh.

Pittsburgh, PA – 12/24/06

Can you picture Ray Lewis skipping and hopping along the sidelines chanting ‘Merry Christmas!’?

Well I bet you couldn’t picture the Houston Texans beating the Indianapolis Colts either, but that’s exactly what Ray and the Ravens got for Christmas this year and #52 didn’t hide his excitement.

In the span of about 10 seconds, the 2006 season went from a success to something truly special. And I was there to witness it all on the semi-frozen tundra of Heinz Field.

At first, the prospect of playing a rejuvenated Steelers team in Pittsburgh did not seem all that appealing. In fact, as we set up for the day while watching SportsCenter, Hank Goldberg of ESPN projected a 23-10 Steelers victory. What did he know?

Interestingly, our staging area was directly in front of the players entrance and we had the luxury of watching Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward report for duty. It was tough to look at Ward the same way after watching his local television show the night before. On the program, Hines and fellow Steeler Troy Polamalu went head to head in a fierce battle of…wait for it…wait for it…a Gingerbread Cookie Bake Off! To their credit, both gladiators of the gridiron held their own in an apron as Ward designed a Polamalu look a like cookie, while Troy opted for a Hawaiian hula girl. The dramatic duel was ruled a draw as both men fell equally as far down the intimidation scale.

Of course that’s about all the Steel City had going for it on a Saturday night. As we walked the streets of downtown, we were fortunate to even find a restaurant that was still open, and who knew, Pittsburgh also serves up some damn fine sushi. No match for Cleveland, but still respectable. Sushi was also the perfect meal for the evening as we had already managed to fit in dinner during our half-hour flight from Baltimore. The flight attendants were really hustling. They even had the courtesy to let me finish my dessert as the plane touched down. It wasn’t a gingerbread man, but their homemade chocolate cookies are delicious.

In defense of Hammerin’ Hank, the game was tough to predict. The Ravens had already clinched the division and their only hope of increasing their playoff seeding relied on one of the two teams ahead of them losing, the Colts or Chargers. A one or two seed would give the Ravens a highly sought after week off before beginning their post-season push. And with a few aging veterans leading the charge this season, a week of rest could give the Ravens what has apparently been the key to success this season, time to refresh.

The Steelers on the other hand were still in contention for a Wild Card spot after going 5-1 in their last six games. Of course the one loss was at the hands of the Ravens who registered nine sacks and a 27-0 victory back in November.

The one thing that was easy to predict was the weather. Let’s see. Pittsburgh. December. I would guess cold? Possibly frigid with a chance of bone shivering wind. I know its quaint to have a stadium built on the banks of three rivers, but someone had to realize that being so close to the water would be a better location for a wind farm than a football field.

As we took to the field, one thing we noticed, along with our wired Raven Chris McAlister, was that the playing surface was less than ideal. It was as if they were actually using the space for a farm during the week. Or maybe a driving range. The divots sprinkled the entire stadium and what was left was a mix of gravel, grass, and dirt. I was a little nervous because unlike my last 14 games, today I was forced to wear khaki pants on the sidelines (I left three pairs of wind pants in the dryer as we rushed out of the house on Saturday!). I was going to have to plan my kneeling carefully if I wanted to keep the pants in good condition. Of course my pants were actually a consistent theme for the weekend as I was chided for my ensemble on the plane ride in as I matched brown pants with a bluish shirt. Phil, I blame the wife.

The grudge match did not prove to be much of a match up as the Ravens proved the prognosticators wrong with a dominant victory over the Steelers. However, I had my sights sets on the scoreboard most of the day as the Colts were playing at 1:00 as well. As I mentioned, an Indy loss coupled with a Ravens win would give Baltimore a chance at a first round bye.

Surprisingly, the Texans were hanging with the Colts all day and even jumped out to a 14-0 lead. I whispered a few sweet something’s to Lauryn, but wanted to make sure she didn’t tell anyone near the bench. I wasn’t going to be the one to disrupt the focus of the players. Of course she immediately ran over to Don to tell him the good news.

As their game went to the fourth quarter, Houston still had the lead. But as is typical for a Peyton Manning led team, the advantage vanished quickly and we noticed that they were soon tied at 24. Don, Lauryn and I kept trading knowing glances and we all thought for sure that Manning would find a way to pull out a win. And then came those magical 10 seconds.

The Steelers were backed up near their own end zone to start a fourth quarter drive down just fourteen. Consequently, Jeff and I set up behind the end zone to get a good look at McAlister and Ward going at it. As I kneeled over Jeff’s shoulder, I looked up at the scoreboard in the far end zone. My advertising career has taught me a few things about tracking eye movements as the brain processes one element at a time. Well I was definitely processing what I saw next one element at a time. First, a 27 next to HST. Then, a 24 next to IND. And finally, a FINAL next to the score. I had to re-read it a few times before I full comprehended what must have happened. Not only had the Texans took the lead, the game had ended. Manning could not do any more. The Colts had lost.

My first reaction was to yell in Jeff’s ear, “The Texans Won!”. Of course he hadn’t been watching as closely and may not have known that they happened to be playing the Colts. Then I scanned the sidelines for Lauryn. She was skipping towards me, full of smiles. She knew! We both pointed at the scoreboard, making sure we each knew for sure what had just happened deep in the heart of Texas.

And then, just when the Steelers were threatening to comeback, Dawan Landry intercepted a Roethlisberger pass and returned it for what appeared to be a defensive touchdown. (The fact that a review ended up ruling Landry out at the 1 yard line was not important). The celebration was on. The celebration that had been missing the week before, that must have been pent up in all the players hoping and praying for a chance at a week off, was let out. Jubilation. Dancing. Hugging. And of course Ray and his holiday wishes.

The thrill of the chase did not end in Pittsburgh. There was at least one more game of importance left to be played on Sunday and the entire team knew what it meant. If the Chargers lost in Seattle, the Ravens would be in position for the #1 seed in the AFC. Home field advantage throughout the playoffs. A potential AFC Championship game in Baltimore. All eyes were on the Chargers, or at least our cell phone Internet browsers.

On the bus ride to the airport, Ray and Bart Scott were shouting out updates. Luckily the flight was a quick one and the game had just started the fourth quarter when we landed back home. And that’s when the real fun began. I started working my thumbs on the Treo fast and furiously to get new statistics. Refresh. Refresh. And I wasn’t just thinking it; everyone around me was asking for updates. Even a few of the players had taken an interest in what my Treo had to say including fellow Orange alum, Adam Terry. Jeff dubbed me, ‘Thumbs Lukin’ and I was providing play by play to the front of the bus. (Another lucky PDA owner was giving the back of the bus updates).

The game went back and forth and the Chargers were down 4 with just 30 seconds left to play. I was being asked how much time was left, how many time outs they had, what was the weather, what down was it, who had the ball, what was the crowd noise like….we were all hinging on my data download speed. And then our luck finally ran out. Philip Rivers hit Vincent Jackson for a 37-yard touchdown to put San Diego ahead for good. No more Christmas miracles this weekend, but one surprise gift was all we could have asked for. Not to mention a season sweep of our division rivals.


Now I’ve been fortunate enough to make friends with many of the Ravens staff over the last four months and a few even read my postings each week, but by no means do I believe that any of the players take note of the blog. However, the reaction on the sidelines on Sunday was exactly what I was hoping for. It was electrifying. It was exhilarating. It was near freezing. It was refreshing.

Week 15.5 – Purple Rain on My Parade

12/22/06 – Baltimore, MD.

I’ve been doing the New York Times crossword puzzle lately and I think the title of this posting would be an excellent play-on-words, dual meaning, 20-letter monster type of answer in a Tuesday or Wednesday puzzle. The question could be something like “A Prince Downer” or “Putting Prince Down”. But the New York Times is not why I am writing a mid-week posting for the first time in months, although it did help me come up with the title, pretty clever, right?

The reason I felt the need to blog, as the heading might indicate, is that the last four days have included milestone moments in Ravens history that have appeared to not only be ignored, but replaced by feelings of disdain, bitterness, and suffering. In what is my first, and possibly only season on the sidelines, I’m ready to pop the champagne after each touchdown (or at least give Steve McNair a high-five). What gives?

Let me recap.

On Sunday afternoon, the Ravens clinched a playoff birth. However, the injury to McNair and the prospect of still having to play a first round game seemed to outweigh the excitement of making it to the post season.

On Monday night, the Ravens clinched the division title when the Indianapolis Colts beat the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. The irony is that most of the Charm City was routing for Ocho Cinqo and company as an Indy loss would propel the Ravens into position for a first round bye. So when the game concluded, and the Locker Room AFC North Championship T-Shirt boxes were allowed to be opened, not only was the team not in the Locker Room, but I don’t think anyone felt like we were any closer to a Championship.

On Tuesday it was announced that the Ravens would be sending at least five players to the Pro Bowl including: Jonathan Ogden, Adalius Thomas, Ed Reed, Chris McAllister, and Terrell Suggs. Of course the national press has featured no less than five additional Ravens on their ‘all-snub’ teams and the biggest snub of all, Ray Lewis, has been quoted on just about every talk show discussing his frustration with the voting. And I agree. Watching 14 games up close, I can’t imagine why Ray and his protégé, Bart Scott, were left off the list. Not to mention Trevor Pryce and all his wonderful sacks. But I digress, I’m falling into the same funk most of Baltimore already appears to be in.

We were 6-10 last season. We only sent one Raven to the Pro Bowl. We were eliminated from the playoffs before Thanksgiving. And you saw more Oriole Orange around the city than Ravens Purple as the New Year began. So this year, during a season in which we have witnessed multiple fourth quarter comebacks, a shutout against our biggest rival, and a Defense that almost led by fantasy team to the title game, I propose a new order. A plea to the City of Baltimore, Ravens fans everywhere, and even the team itself.

Don’t rain on my parade and maybe, just maybe, we’ll get to enjoy a confetti shower together.

Week 15 - Playoffs Actually

Baltimore, MD -- 12/17/06.

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
Actually, it was 64 degrees and sunny in Baltimore.

But the fire is so delightful,
Actually, if you ask Kyle Boller, I don't know if playing under fire is all that delightful.

And since we've no place to go,
Actually, the Ravens clinched a post-season birth on Sunday so we are going to the playoffs.

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
We do play in Pittsburgh next week on Christmas Eve, so why not.


The Holiday Season took center stage at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday as the game day entertainment included the Ravens cheerleaders dressed as Santa’s little helpers; a Ravens video montage set to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (see it here); an angel named Demetrius and a Grinch known as the Injury Bug.

On its surface, the game appeared to be an early Christmas present, or at least a really good gift on the third night of Hanukkah. The weather was unseasonably warm, the Ravens were favored by 11 points, and Jeff and I began the day camped out in the middle of the field as more than 40 women in purple Santa-style outfits came sprinting towards us. The ladies were joined by two of the state’s high School football championship teams to form quite possibly the longest pre-game gauntlet in franchise history. By the time the players made it to the end of the line their high fiving had succumbed to knowing glances.

We were joined on the sidelines by a few familiar faces, although we didn’t actually know everyone we recognized. The first face to find us was a former RaveTV crew member who is now a cameraman for NFL Films. The NFL is the pinnacle of the sports media world, but even within the ranks of professional football, a hierarchy exists with NFL Films a notch above the team’s themselves. The discrepancy is in part due to the simple fact that surprise, NFL Films shoots their footage on film. That way, they can get those super-slow-motion-close-up shots that make players seem even scarier, and sweatier, than they do at regular speed.

The other recognizable personality on the field was WBAL’s celebrity sideline reporter of the week, Josh Charles. Some might know him from his starring role on the short-lived sitcom, Sports Night; others will remember him from The Dead Poets Society; but everyone should recall his breakout role as Bryan, the burger flipping love interest of Christina Appelgate in the cult classic, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead.

Each week, WBAL has a famous face/voice calling the action from the field level, from Art Donovan to Jada Pinkett Smith. However, most of the time we don’t notice the star of the day until they are shown on the SmartVision boards for all the fans to see. But this time was different. Josh Charles not only shares my namesake, but apparently my enthusiasm for being on the field, knowing that like me, this is not his day job and may be the only time he ever gets this close to NFL action. Every big play, every change of possession, I would see him sprinting along side me as I lugged the tripod up and down the sidelines. He would get down on his knees to get a closer look at a tackle. He would try to find out more about player injuries (more on that in a moment) and he just seemed to have a drive inside him that would not let him take anything for granted. I guess that’s how he was able to convince Christina to take him back during that fateful speech from the inside of his burger delivery cart.

Now no one would confuse Josh Charles with Jim Carrey, but someone was playing The Grinch on Sunday as injuries threatened to derail the Ravens Super Bowl plans. In the first quarter, Steve McNair's hand got stepped on and he didn’t return the rest of the way. Later in the game, Samari Rolle tackled Braylon Edwards out of bounds and did not get up for a few minutes. The medical staff showed off their 40 speed as they sprinted to the corner of the field where Rolle was lying. When he finally got to his feet, he was holding his arm tight to his body and you could tell he was holding back the pain until he was safely inside the locker room. Then, in the fourth quarter when the game appeared to be over, Todd Heap and Jonathan Ogden were shaken up on the same play. The clock couldn’t go fast enough.

There was one shining star, or at least a budding one, who managed to steer clear of the injury bug and grow some wings on Sunday. In what was his first touchdown reception and Kyle Boller’s longest pass of his career, Demetrius Williams caught a 77-yard bomb in the third quarter to essentially put the Ravens, and the RaveTV crew, into the next round. Fittingly, Williams is rumored to wear red contact lenses, which should remind you of a famous reindeer who typically gets a lot of air time around the holidays for leading his team.

After a few free drinks in the beer tent, thank you Kate, Lauryn and I decided it was time for some Chinese and Chargers as we watched the San Diego game with take out from Ding How. Someone had to celebrate. Even in a suburban, married couple sort of way. Because despite the fact that you couldn't tell by listening to the players, who have their sights set on more than just a post-season birth, or notice it from watching the fans, who are now ready for another Super Bowl run, the victory on Sunday still meant something special - we are going to the playoffs, actually. So delightful.

Week 14 – Magically Delicious

Kansas City, MO – 12/10/06.

I hereby declare myself the 2006 Ravens’ official Lucky Charm.

Mark Clayton may have scored the big touchdown and Ed Reed may have made the big plays on defense, but this week’s win was a virtual lock as soon as I boarded the team bus on Saturday. I know that sounds preposterous, probably because it is, but after a loss last Thursday while I watched the game from Fells Point, this was my week to prove my true value to the team. (Editors Note: Laura, another Ravenite who missed last week's loss, just happened to sit next to me on the bus ride to the airport and I think we both have some sort of Karma connection with the winning and losing this year.)

My services were needed right from the start as I stepped back into my role as bellhop by carrying Lauryn’s bags up the stairs and onto the plane. Apparently no one filled the position last week as they watched Lauryn struggle every step of the way. They were all glad to have me back because none of them knew whether they were suppose to help or not. For future reference, I will happily let anyone interested carry my wife’s bags, no strings attached.

As our bus drove us through the majestic mountains of Missouri (how much more middle of the country can you get?) all we could talk about was where we would be going for dinner. This was Kansas City, the melting pot of the BBQ world, and even though we ‘snacked’ on some steak and lobster during the flight out, nothing was going to keep us away from the grill of our dreams, Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue.


The only thing you need to know about Jack Stack is that the tables are set with two bowls of barbeque sauce before you even sit down. The walls were adorned with portraits of what else, cows. But don’t be fooled, the menu featured five different meats, and our table took a taste of them all. Pork, sausage, turkey, lamb, and of course – beef. And not just any beef, the menu describes one of the rib dishes as follows, ‘Dinosaur-sized ribs for those who crave the taste of beef.’ Apparently this is where the Flintstone’s gets carryout on those cold winter nights after a game. It also happened to be the preferred dine-in location for a few players as we saw two tables full of Ravens enjoying some ribs. Also apparent, the menu wasn’t lying. The Prime Beef Ribs were about a foot long each, had been cooked for 10 hours, and with a thick coating of barbeque sauce tasted absolutely delicious. Magical even.

Each week more and more people start to take notice that RaveTV not only has a new team member this year, but he happens to be very close to the cute girl from the editing suites they’ve come to love over the years. Eventually they put it together that I’m the spouse of said cutie and we subsequently hear our share of ‘adorable’ comments. This week may have brought us one of the best, however, as one of the coaches casually commented as we boarded the bus, ‘Honeymoon in Kansas City.’ It sounds like a mediocre movie at best, but we make the best of every city, and KC would be no different for this adorable couple.

Once we made it to the stadium I accidentally took on my next role for the team, press agent. Now that might be a bit of a stretch, but I played the part for a few brief moments before the game as I hung out on the field watching John Clayton give his SportsCenter update. I was trying to hear if Willis McGahee was going to play today as my fantasy football playoffs kicked off this week. Laurence Maroney was already being ruled out and McGahee was still listed as questionable! What's a fantasy GM to do.


I didn’t want to get too close, but as I edged my way towards the set, another ESPN host approached. Rachel Nichols (pictured in the white hat on the left) was also covering the game today and before I could decide how to introduce myself, she saw that I was dressed in purple and started asking me all sorts of questions. Potentially important questions. Like when does Ray Lewis come out of the tunnel to warm up? I could have thrown off the entire broadcast with the wrong answer. Luckily, as Brian Billick tells all his first year players, we aren’t rookies any more. I’d seen Ray Ray do his pregame routine enough times to give answers that seemed to satisfy Ms. Nichols. We kept up the small talk for a few minutes about the weather before I was summoned back to the locker room. I was giddy. It was sort of like the popular girl in high school sitting down at your lunch table to ask what the English homework was. I didn’t matter why, it was that it happened at all that made it exciting. I couldn’t wait to tell Lauryn. I made it clear that my excitement had nothing to do with the fact that Rachel was a woman. It was purely professional. I would have been just as excited to chat with John Clayton and if you’ve seen him lately, he is no Rachel Nichols.


By the time the game got started, I was back to work for the first time in two weeks and it felt good to be out on the field in a sea of red and, well, red. Kansas City fans love their Chiefs and Arrowhead Stadium is legendary around the league for being the loudest place to play. It’s also the perfect place to shoot a game as I’ve always associated KC with the NFL Films clips you see on HBO each week. This was sacred ground in the NFL and I felt privileged to step out onto the grass. Speaking of which, Don was told that the reason KC switched to grass in the ‘90’s was at the ‘request’ of Hall of Fame quarterback, Joe Montana, who finished his career as a Chief. Just an interesting side note, thought I’d share.

There was a sign back in the locker room that read, ‘Don’t Confuse Effort With Results’. Well, I do know that I really can’t affect the result, but I sure put in the effort. Jeff and I sprinted up and down the field all day as we followed this weeks wired Raven, Ovie Mughelli. Lucky for us, Ovie not only plays offense, but he is also a special teams star. That means he has the potential to be out on the field on just about every play, which kept us on our toes and on our knees most of the game. And what a game it was. Our defense is scary good. Just when you thought KC was about to score, we would not only stop them, we would force a turnover. Which would of course force me to scramble back to the bench to grab the tripod, but even the confusion on the sideline was exciting. This was a playoff type atmosphere and we were playing like it.

The final score was 20-10. After the game, the top performers from the Ravens are asked to speak to the media in what is usually a make-shift press conference. The room in which they were holding the press conference also happened to be RaveTV’s make-shift locker room. We scurried inside and tried to pack up as quietly as possible. I took care of my duties, but my attention was on the podium. The first player called in was Mark Clayton who made a stop on his way to the microphone as he gave Lauryn a hug. Now if it was just about any other player I think my heart would have tightened up, I mean it is hard to compete with multi-millonaires, but fortunately Clayton is just about the most polite NFL player you will ever meet. He calls Ray Lewis 'sir' and he has yet to spike the ball after a touchdown. He seemed like he wanted to today after his 87-yard touchdown, but true to form, he held up. Maybe he'll carry Lauryn's bags next time...

The next player to take the stand was Terrell Suggs. Apparently T-Sizzle forgot his hat in the locker room and since the rest of the crowd was the news media, he looked to us for a quick wardrobe rescue. He tried on Don Barto’s hat first but thought better of it and gave it back. Luckily, Tim pulled out some fine head gear that suited Terrell’s taste as he promptly took the offering and put it on with a bit of a lean to the right. That is how all the cool kids wear it. He was followed by Ed Reed who answered every question in his undershirt, shorts, and flip flops – the things you can’t see on tv. Ed was the star of the game, and he had some celebration plans for the trip back to the airport.

Once we finished packing, we hit the showers and boarded the bus as Ed, Bart Scott, and a few of the other players managed to secure some freshly grilled ribs for the trip. How in the world did they find BBQ between the locker room and the parking lot? The tailgaters had gone home already...They must have some good connections, who can cook a mean side of beef, because the bus smelled divine as we made our way to our seats. As the players waved their ribs in the year, they got the bus driver to pump up some Kansas City hip hop as they relished the sweet taste of victory.


This was the Ravens 5th road victory of the year after losing all eight last season. A season in which I did not have a seat on the chartered flight. Although I did bare witness to a loss in Denver earlier this year, it was a Monday night which means I really shouldn't have attended, after all, I still have a pretty good day job. Of course you all know what happened last Thursday when I stuck around in Baltimore. So while the Ravens are off to their best start in team history, I don't really know how to explain the connection between my tripod sprints and each big win. Magic? Perhaps. Lucky? Maybe. Charmed? I’m sure.

Week 13 (Part One) - Roughing the Passer

Cincinnati, OH -- 11/30/06.

By Jay O'Brien (pictured in rain gear below)

They say that the best defense is a good offense, so let me say this at the beginning of my first & only blog entry of the season ----- it’s all Josh Lukin’s fault. The sports world is intense, competitive, and superstitious, and there are certain things that should never be changed in the midst of a championship season – socks, underwear, and miniature tripod carriers. And as for my own 0-3 career record traveling with the Baltimore Ravens, I have only 1 response – Josh is 0-3 in those games watching them from alternate locations. Coincidence?

So after the 13-7 game in Cincinnati, and after my dream of being in the post game locker room as the Ravens celebrated a division championship was dashed, I began thinking of other things that would have changed during the road trip to Cincinnati had I not been there (and before I get started, let me warn you that this is what happens when you call me Julie and make fun of my snazzy suit that I wore on the plane):

1) Lauryn and Josh would have been able to go out to dinner with relatives, who live in every NFL city. Following the dinner, which will happen at “one of the best steakhouses/seafood places/salad emporiums in the country,” they would have been able to take a wonderful picture outside of said steakhouse/seafood place/salad emporium to post right here.

2) Scotty would have spoken to someone else about something completely meaningless for 20 minutes straight “Yeah Jay, you can take razor blades on the plane now. You can take as many as you want! You used to not be able to take fluids on, or toothpastes for that matter, but now they just look at it and say, Ok you’re good to go! Even Scope you can bring on, I don’t know about the other brands of mouthwash, but definitely Scope. Hey Jay, do you have any Scope? Where am I?”

3) Jeff Atkinson would have missed a shot. I know this is unimaginable because he not only invented cameras and all lighting equipment, but also the sunlight and moonlight that lights the earth. But seriously, he would’ve missed a shot. Because you know, he’s not perfect. Seriously.

4) The entire crew would have made it to the Tropicana bar in Kentucky and, instead of hanging out with Jason Giambi, Marshall Faulk, and Nick Lachey (which actually happened), they would have sat at the bar and ordered questionable minty &/or fruity beverages from the male bartenders wearing bowties but not shirts. Tim would continue to try and get into the VIP level with his minty &/or fruity beverage, but would still be waiting outside because “that tall dude doesn’t work for the Ravens, he works for WBAL!!”

5) Junior would not have to worry about that awkward climb up the stairs to the plane with Lauryn struggling to carry her bags in front of him. Do I offer to help her? Do I let her struggle? Oh, she’ll be okay.

6) Don would text message me back in Baltimore with funny lines from Family Guy.

7) With my absence, Larry would find a new person to call Half-day _______. My vote goes to Brevet, aka Half-day Elvis.

8) And last, but certainly not the least, I would have been soaked with Yuengling instead of rain as the Ravens would have won the game.(P.S. I hope that the Ravens organization doesn’t actually believe that I’m a curse, because I would LOVE to travel to our playoff games if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if if we make the playoffs.)

Happy trails Ravens Road blog, maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe we’ll get to read you thru the playoffs.