HOUSTON — From the parties at Houston pubs to the tailgating outside NRG Stadium, what started out as a matchup with such high hopes for Cleveland Browns fans went downhill fast Saturday.
The disappointment was real after that painful ending that sent many on their way out of the stadium before the end of the third quarter.
“I came in with so much excitement. Everything was going well today and then the third quarter,” Adrian Miller said. “I mean this was the first playoff game I’ve ever seen in my life. I'm 27 years old.”
Miller called the game "disastrous." Browns fans planted their flag early outside NRG Stadium, making the orange lot their own during a tailgate party hours before kickoff. The sea of orange and brown enjoyed grilling, merchandise and constant cheers for their team.
“This is incredible. I’ve been a die hard Cleveland Browns fan since I was young,” one fan said before the game.
“We’ve traveled miles—as in Garret—to see a few sacks,” another fan said.
They came from around the country—no matter how difficult or long the journey was due to weather—to experience what a playoff game can only bring. It definitely wasn’t the outcome they came to see, and immediately after the game some were hoping to see changes on the team.
“I mean, I think you sign Belichick. That was a complete embarrassment. A complete embarrassment,” one man said on his way out of the stadium.
“My heart is broken,” another fan said.
Still many saw Saturday’s game as a disappointing ending to an otherwise great season that included coming out on top injury after injury. Many leaving NRG Stadium are already looking forward to what next season may bring.
“Four different quarterbacks, 13% of our starters out, I think we did a damn good job. Go browns!” a fan said.
“We still love our Browns. Love every one of them,” a woman said. “Here we go Brownies! Here we go!”
“We’re coming back next year. Just know that!” another fan said.
So where else to turn when emotions are fresh and tensions are high? Social media of course!
Below are the reactions (some may say therapy sessions) following the Browns defeat on Super Wild Card weekend:
Pain
Appreciation
Browns Players
More Browns Coverage on WKYC.com:
- JIMMY'S TAKE: Jim Donovan says Cleveland Browns left us with 'a sour taste' to end an otherwise amazing season
- Run out of the building: Cleveland Browns torched on both sides of the ball in 45-14 wild-card loss to Houston Texans
- Cleveland Browns fans in Houston prepare for NFL playoff game against Texans
- Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett named first-team All-Pro by Associated Press