NFL Bars
Dawg Pound meets Cats Eye
By Fred Bauters, Blogs Editor
September 15, 2007 | 11:46 a.m.
Hopeful skepticism. These two seemingly disparate words somehow seam themselves together with Clevelanders. In a city that consistently catches a whiff of success only to end up with a burning river, Jose Mesa and the like, there's always reason to doubt any elation.
Yet every year is a year the spell may be quelled. Hope manages to exist amid the Tim Couch's and Trajan Langdon's that continually add to the grim nature of a Cleveland winter. For every LeBron James and Grady Sizemore that enlivens the hopes of millions are dozens of could-haves and has-beens. ESPN named Cleveland the Most Tortured Sports City in America for good reason.
We've seen it all before.
There was Jordan over Ehlo, Byner at the three, Mesa in the ninth and the slaughter by the Spurs.
But to list every devastating Cleveland sports collapse and disappointment would be an exercise in self-depression, so let us desist. It is this sad state of affairs that pulls the Cleveland Faithful together. A revelry of sorrow and future promise.
The Cats Eye Saloon, a cozy spot peeking out at 12 North Court St., is just such a place to revel with other Clevelanders, and in particular, Browns fans. In the rare occasion, you may find a Browns fan who has never lived in Northeast Ohio. If that is the case, question their sanity and be weary of their loyalty.
The saloon is adorned solely with Bobcats and Browns memorabilia. Orange lights outline the bar and the Browns Backers sign is proudly displayed with photos of Kosar and his fellow Kardiac brethren. With little concern for flair, the Cats Eye maintains a low-key, relaxed atmosphere. Most importantly, it has plenty of televisions to catch the game, including a massive projection screen.
It's week one of the long, arduous NFL season. Browns fans are optimistic, and of course, cynical. It's a balance most fans can't comprehend, but there always is reason to be excited for the upcoming team. This year is no different.
Only partway through the first quarter of the Browns vs. Steelers game and the Browns are trailing 17-0. And yet, the fans still cheer when that rare completion occurs. Half of the crowd is clad in a Browns uniform, and most others show their pride in some other creative manner. The incessant cursing is a good tell-tale sign of a Browns fan, as well.
To add salt to the wound, CBS runs a time line of the Browns history since its revival in 1999. And the collective made it very clear how they felt, in resounding harmony.
Tim Couch is selected as the first pick in the draft. "Booooo."
Fireworks erupt in the opening game. Art Modell couldn't kill the Browns forever. Until they are shellacked by the Steelers on opening night, 43-0. "Booooo."
Butch Davis is hired as the second coach in the new era. "Booooo."
Romeo Crennel is named the third coach in six years. "Meh."
Brady Quinn is drafted 22nd in the 2007 draft. "Wooooo!"
This is the communal bond Browns fans share. They have no reason for being a Browns fan then that is all they know.
"I can't really say I remember when I became a Browns fan. It sort of happened before I had a memory," Northeast Ohioan Michelle Davey said.
"I do remember that I first started cheering for them after I learned the different colors in school. If they wore orange or brown, I cheered for them. And, I have very distinct memories of sadness."
Faith is what Browns fans are all about. They don't need to explain why they're Browns fans. It just is. Don't bother asking why.
When questioned why the Cats Eye was affiliated with the Browns Backers and shows only Browns games on Sundays, manager John Ellis seemed slightly puzzled, and then answered with a clear deadpan.
"Well, the owner is from Cleveland," he said. "It's that simple, really."
True, the Browns lost 34-7 and recently traded their starting quarterback. Still, anything is possible. They could go 15-0 the rest of the season. Brady Quinn could be the next Peyton Manning. The offensive line might stay healthy.
It could happen.