The Ravens Game

Me and Jeremy at M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, MD
January 6, 2024

It was a cold and rainy afternoon when I departed for the Ravens game dressed like I was expecting the worst weather ever faced by Nanook of the North. I did not know what to expect, really, as the cold misting rain confronted the warm reality of my face. I felt like Ralphie from "A Christmas Story", not able to move my arms once I was fully prepared for the cold and rain.

A Play During the 4th Quarter
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, MD
January 6, 2024

Jeremy and I made our way into Baltimore for the game. It was a very important game for the Steelers--they needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. For the Ravens it was an opportunity to rest starters and give the back-ups a chance to play. The outcome was, then, predictable--Steelers 17 to Baltimore 10. In the rain and cold.

Walking to the Stadium
Baltimore, MD
January 6, 2024

I think the NFL hates both teams because they managed to schedule this game at the height of the storm that had been predicted for over a week. The league also officiated the game with their recently demoted refereeing team. The league certainly did not consider the fans in setting the time of the game. It was miserable! I think, and you will laugh when you read this, snow would have been better. At least I would not have been so wet. Actually, it was just my hands that got cold and soaked because my heated gloves got saturated. 

The rain continued throughout the game and only began to stop as I arrived back at Nicole's house in Odenton after the game.

Ravens Field Goal
M&T Bank Stadium 
Baltimore, MD
January 6, 2024

The game was predictably a low scoring affair. I cursed each time there was a stoppage of play--and especially the incredibly long TV time-outs. We were all standing, yes, no one in the stadium that I could see sat during the game, watching the rain pummel the fans and teams while waiting for the action to begin again. If you look closely in the picture of the field goal try, just above the lights near the center of the image the football is visible after being kicked.

I have to say a big thank-you to Jeremy for inviting me to the game and for making it a great father-son experience despite the rain. I had, wait for it, fun! And I was reminded that I can still overcome the elements!

I need to say thank you to Mike, George, and Patrick for the cold and wet weather gear you loaned me. I would not have been able to even consider attending the game without your help.

I hope the Steelers make the playoffs and come to South Florida to play the Dolphins next week even if it rains, because the rain in South Florida is not as cold. 

Programming note:

There will be no Monday Musings tomorrow because I expect to be in the truck headed home to Tequesta.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD