Ravens Win Against Steelers — Great Time in Downtown Baltimore Last Night

If you were unable to be at the stadium last night, you missed the huge electric energy flowing in and around M&T Bank Stadium in Downtown Baltimore.

The tailgating lots opened at 3:20 pm and many enjoyed the warm, gorgeous afternoon hanging out with friends and watching the earlier games on TV’s brought in their cars!

We didn’t head down until about 4:30, but it was a beautiful night, and the excitement was palpable. I was happy to see a friend who I haven’t seen in over 5 years since he moved to California, but was home and came to see the game with us.

We entered the stadium around 7:30 and many were already in their seats. There were quite a few Steelers fans around, and some Baltimore Ravens fans were a bit heated with them already.

Luckily everyone settled down at gametime, which began with spectacular fireworks set off from the tops of the lights on the stadium as the players ran out, and again after the National Anthem was finished.

We began our game on a great note, taking our first drive all the way downfield and scoring a touchdown!

Then, things got tough from there.

Dixon, the rookie 3rd string Quarterback on the Steelers is a fantastic player. He is smart and very fast. Once seasoned, he will be a tough opponent to beat!

The Steelers, though down two important players from their team, were there to win.

Luckily for the Baltimore Ravens, so were they. Going into overtime, Paul Kruger intercepted a pass, and they scored a field goal (thank you, new kicker Billy Cundiff!), creating the late night win over the Steelers, and leaving happy fans to disburse in Federal Hill.

Thank goodness for the rain holding off, and the beautiful night, and the Ravens WIN! Now onto Green Bay. GO RAVENS!

Sad Day But Hopeful Future in Baltimore

Well, last night of course did not go as hoped with the Ravens’ playoff drive ending in a 23-14 loss in Pittsburgh.

The loss was marred more by the terrible injury on Willis McGahee, who was carted off the field with 3:29 left in the game. The hit was hard — the helmets crashed, and you could visibly see McGahee’s neck snap back and forth. We are still awaiting updates, but he was able to speak and move a little, which makes me hopeful that he is not paralyzed.

A few things happened after that point that 1) made me respect Pittsburgh fans a little more and 2) made me proud yet again of being a Baltimorean. As Willis was taken into the tunnel, a few Steelers fans right there yelled GOOD LUCK WILLIS one after another — which I found VERY classy and nice. In general Pittsburgh fans have not been kind to Ravens players or fans, as demonstrated by a few signs in Heinz field last night (“You’re still Cleveland to us and you still suck” anyone?), not that Baltimore fans are necessarily sweet on the yellow & black either.

But what really made my pride swell, was when I checked my Facebook friends’ statuses:

…is bummed we didn’t make it into the Superbowl but still grateful we made it as far as we did.

…is proud that the Ravens made it this far and prays Willis will be okay!