It’s funny how sometimes in life, things are just more enjoyable out of context. Last night, with a couple of close friends and some cold ones, we sat down in front of the TV (obviously in the man cave) expecting what Browns fans expect before any game… complete disappointment.

It didn’t take long before our expectations were affirmed... a fumble (we Browns fans know that word quite well... *caugh Byner*) on the very first play from the line of the scrimmage. The look on my friends faces pretty much said it all, “Here we go again!” A few plays later, Aaron Rogers throws over Haden’s head in a seemingly perfect strike for a touchdown. It’s not like we needed to watch it though, we knew the touchdown off of the turnover was inevitable because we’ve been watching the Browns for years.

Then, something happened… we went for more beer. When we returned, our franchise tagged kicker “Awesome Phil Dawson” booted a field goal from 50 some yards through the uprights at Lambeau Field.  A few minutes later… another… and then another. Weeden was throwing liquorish ropes right on target. The O-line was opening up holes left and right for our 2^nd and 3^rd string running backs.

High-fives were all around, the hooting and hollering was out of control! Everything was working for the Browns in all phases. Even Bernie Kosar’s commenting was working. “There is that ‘Bang 8’ route again, it’s been working all night for the Browns” he said. Literally, everything was clicking and before we knew it the Browns were crushing the Green Bay Packers. For just one moment, we felt like this year was our year!

After my buddies left, I found my way upstairs and into the bedroom where my wife was trying to sleep. (key word ‘trying) “What in the heck was going on down there?” she asked. “What was with all the thumping and clapping?”

I told her, “the Browns won, and they didn’t just win… they CRUSHED the Packers” I said. “Isn’t it just preseason though?” she asked. At this point, I just rolled over and went to bed as I couldn’t admit that game didn’t matter.

So, does the preseason matter? No, not in the standings. However, when you are a Browns fan, and you’ve been through so much disappointment, you will celebrate even the smallest achievements. To me, last night was a perfect example of that. Don’t let those Steeler fans bring you down… “we have six rings” or “settle down it’s only preseason”. Look, we are Brown’s fans, we understand how many rings you have and we can never forget because you remind us anytime something, anything good happens to our franchise.

In my own head, I will continue to tell myself that last night’s game did matter. It mattered to me! It was a reason to get together with friends, it was a reason to have a few beers, it was a reason to be way too loud when my wife was trying to sleep upstairs, it was a reason to BELIEVE!

Go Browns!