Posting From The Press Box

[JonM229]

Now that I'm back and settled in the warm Florida sun, I'd like to retell my experience in whole:

It was a cold and windy night. As I pulled up to the F lot, I realized there was no parking pass in the package I received. The walking bothered me more than paying for a spot. But, I wasn't about to let that spoil my night. So I made my way through ice-cold winds that cut through my four layers of clothing (in the following order: a t-shirt, a McNair jersey, a sweatshirt, and a winter jacket.)

I met Sarah at the media will-call and we made our way to the press box to get settled in. As we waited for an elevator, we saw Ron Jaworski making his way down to the field, probably to do some pre-game Patriots loving for ESPN. We took our seats in the toasty press box. Seated in front of us were Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. I was told that the press box wasn't usually this crowded, but since it was a Monday Night game and we were playing the Patriots, there was a lot more press than usual.

I was given a laptop to make posts on the board and then was taken down to the field. Being on the field was completely different than being in the stands. Seeing the Ravens group together for Ray's pre-game chant at eye level was pretty awesome. Seeing Jon Ogden up close can be a pretty frightening experience. I also never noticed how tiny Corey Ivy is, expecially seeing him next to Quinn Sypniewski. The secondary looked pretty pumped and and their own pre-game huddle.

Back in the Press Box, I was introduced to the man: Kevin Byrne. I'm an avid reader of the Byrne Identity and highly recommend it to any Ravens fan. I let him know how much I appreciate his blog, and he told me it was all Sarah's idea. Pretty humble guy.

We all know how the game went. Three and a half quarters of pretty much dominance. Since I couldn't get too excited during the game, I consoled myself with fist pounding with Sarah and the other two people I was sitting with (sorry, I can't remember your names, somebody remind me and I'll edit this.) I think I was even believing we were going to win just because I was there. The ending was a heartbreaker. It seems fitting for our season, just everything not going our way. But I was still proud of how the Ravens played that night. I think it probably silenced a lot of naysayers as well.

I went to the Post-Game Press Conference and saw Billick, Boller, and McGahee speak to the media. One thing I have to say about Billick is that he is not a blaming person. When asked who called the timeout, despite video evidence showing Rex Ryan calling it, Billick responded with, "We called timeout." Him, as well as Boller and McGahee all seemed pretty emotional up there. They certainly played their hearts out that game and came up two yards short.

When I went back to get my stuff and close up shop, I checked the game thread one last time before leaving, and saw messages from fans of almost every other team congratulating us on our game. For being a fan of one of the more hated teams in the league, it was great to see some love for the Ravens (even from Steelers fans, who I'll be rooting for next week against New England.)

I'll never forget this night, and despite the outcome of the game, it was one of the best games I've been to at Ravens stadium. I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me, giving me an excuse to fly up to Baltimore last minute. Living in Florida, it's tough to be able to talk Ravens football with most people. I'd also like to thank Sarah for putting this whole contest together, it's an experience of a lifetime for any Ravens fan. Thanks to everybody for cramming the boards Monday Night to talk about the game, and listen to my first-hand account, it was tough at times, trying to type something before the next play starts, but it did give me good chance to catch up to Raven07 in posts (That's right, I'm coming for you.)

I hope Ragnarok99 has as awesome a time as I, and I'm sure theFRANCHISE, had as well. Although, if we lose another heartbreaker, I'm going to think this whole contest is cursed.

[RayLewisIsGod]

Thanks for the great read Jon

[JonM229]

No problem, I'm just doing my part as a Ravens fan.

By the way, if the Ravens need anyone to post from the Dolphins game, I'm only a 3 hour drive away...that's like nothing.

[BrownsFan]

Very cool write-up Jon, glad you had a great time even with the ultimate outcome.

[Drkraven]

I'd rather be in FL with Jon--snow sucks! We now have 6 inches.

[JonM229]

Awwww, wish I could be there. I love snow. Haven't seen it for a couple of years now.

[Guest Birdfan]

Thanks for giving me something "warm" to read on a cold and snowy night. The stupid weatherman said 1-2". Well I have almost 5 and it's still coming down HARD.

[JonM229]

You guys keep talking about that snow, and I may just have to move back up there...for the summers anyway.

[JonM229]

One thing I forgot to mention:

When we scored our first touchdown to take the lead, Sarah grabbed my arm in excitement...I could've died right there.

[Drkraven]

Thanks for giving me something "warm" to read on a cold and snowy night. The stupid weatherman said 1-2". Well I have almost 5 and it's still coming down HARD.

Move to North and West of the City

[Raven07]

great post, great read.....intriguing to say the least and most of all i enjoyed it! lol

[ravensfan1996]

You guys keep talking about that snow, and I may just have to move back up there...for the summers anyway.

are saying sarah is hot?? hehe

Ill be in FL for Miami game, you going Jon?

any chance ravens board people we can snag a field pass down there for us to write up on the board here?

[Raven07]

lol that would be a nice thing to happen but i would have to wait until games are played At home for me to have ANY chance to go to a Raven Game, ive only been to 2 games in my life-time both of which were pre-season games....its the money issue for me/us here. so if i get a chance to go to a home game...by golley im most certianly there!

[JonM229]

I won't be able to make it to the Dolphins game. I was planning on it until I won the ticket to Monday's game.

[JonM229]

are saying sarah is hot?? hehe

No comment...*blushes*

[ravensfan1996]

No comment...*blushes*

Hey did either Jon or the franchise take pictures that they posted anywhere? love to see them.

[JonM229]

I took some with my camera phone, but they look pretty crappy.

[Raven07]

lol but the game was even hotter...and everyone there i would expect was up on their feet, screaming their heads off (the Crowd that is).....i wouldnt expect the press box to start yelling and screaming haha

[JonM229]

We had to restrain ourselves. Like I said, all we could do was pound fists...but it was enough.

[Slick]

We had to restrain ourselves. Like I said, all we could do was pound fists...but it was enough.

I almost cried at the end of the game.

If I was in the press box and was forced to hold back the energy I was feelin all game long, I think I would have.

Big Ups Jon, glad you got to see probably one of the best Raven's games in the past 5-7 years. We lost but I'll be damned if we didn't outplay "the best team in the history of the NFL"

PS: quote = sarcasm on my part

[JonM229]

We lost but I'll be damned if we didn't outplay "the best team in the history of the NFL"

PS: quotes = sarcasm on my part

Your sarcasm was not lost on me. Because we did outplay "The Ming Dynasty"

[Raven07]

lol and the fact that McGahee ran the Patriots defense Over..rushing for 134-138 yards and a TD....the Defense just could get a hold/grip on McGahee, hopefully that will pay big pay-offs in hte throughout the rest of this season as well as into the upcoming seasons.....

[JonM229]

I'll be pretty embarrasaed if Sarah actually reads this.

[Raven07]

im sure some of the people will/do in fact take the time out of their own day to see what the Fans are saying.

[JonM229]

uh oh

[RayLewisIsGod]

I'll be pretty embarrasaed if Sarah actually reads this.

I'd like to take a second here to be a little less formal.

Is she hot?

[Raven07]

not saying that she will (she may) but i would expect at least a few of them will take a gander and look

[JonM229]

I'd like to take a second here to be a little less formal.

Is she hot?

I'm going to plead the fifth on this one.

*blushes*

I think that answers itself.

[Raven07]

lol im guessing that a definate yes on that one...a Big 10-4 lol j/k....but im sure teh Game was VERY fun to be at and in attendance...i know i would have had a alot of fun.

[JonM229]

Don't blame me, I voted for you.