Off to the Dawg Pound

In football, it's usually not about individual confrontations, unless its QB vs. QB or A.J. Gass versus whomever he's clashed with most recently.

This weekend, however, it's a little different.

First, you have bad boy receiver versus bad boy receiver in Dallas, Terrell Owens against Randy Moss. Owens has uncharacteristically shut his mouth this week, going so far as to post a letter to the media explaining his silence and letting everyone know he'll have lots to say after the game about the "original 81" (him) against the "other 81" (Moss).

Not sure who to root for in this one. Neither guy? Moss gets the slightest white hat look because he's been a good fellow this season catching passes from All-American boy Tom Brady.

Now, I really, really like Tony Romo of the Cowboys, even coming off a five INT week. But trying to make T.O. look appealing as a person and/or athlete is something saintly Roger Staubach would have found difficult.

The other one-on-one matchup that the football world is talking about - or hearing about - will take place in Cleveland between Browns tight end Kellen Winslow and Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter.

This one has been going on for a while, stemming back to a game last season. But it seems to be mostly Porter talking trash about Winslow, with not much nastiness coming back the other way.

"I think Joey Porter needs a hug," said Winslow.

Before a game in Pittsburgh last year, Winslow approached Porter and tried to shake hands and end their feud, but was rejected, and all this week the Miami linebacker has been has been running off at the mouth about his plans for Winslow.

This one has particular interest for yours truly since I'm heading down to Cleveland to see this one in person with a group of friends, my first NFL game in the stands in years. (We usually go to South Bend to see Notre Dame play, but guessed correctly before this season it might not be the best year to go.)

So any and all advice for heading into Browns territory - beer any good? Dog or sausage? Best place to park? - is welcome. I'll let you know how it all went Monday morning.

Comments

[AJ]

There is an awesome game day atmosphere in Cleveland as the stadium is right downtown. Went to Chicago this year and it didn't compare at all. And well gee, you don't have the overwhelming feeling that you should be packing heat that you get when you are at Orchard Park. There is a major tailgate party near the stadium (half a km west of the stadium). On Saturday night, I suggest going to Mr. Bills (great dive bar) that is right next to Jacobs Field (and across the street from Alice Cooperstown). Ask Babs the owner, or any of the regulars, to fill you in on the exact details of its location. Most importantly, walking around gameday with a beer is not frowned upon.