Jets Wildcard Game Tailgate 01/07/07

New York Jets
Wild Card Weekend Game
01/07/07


Who would have thought that we would be meeting up with the Jets at home for a second time this season? Certainly not the huge contingent of Jet Fan/Friends making the trip up for the Wildcard Game and the final tailgate of of the 2006 season. Bren had contacted me early in the week to let me know to expect a crew! The Jets Insider crowd came out in full force and shared in the fun.

Who would have also thought that Mrs. B would be wearing flip-flops at a tailgate in January and that temps would be in the 60s? The final tilt at the Razor rounded out a season where heat and walls were not required.... certainly the overall warmest weather of my tailgate career.

Prep started on Saturday with shopping and cooking so come Sunday morning, Al and I picked up Erdo Ed who rode up for the game on his bike and just happened to be staying with a friend in our town. We arrived at the stadium ready to call the crew waiting at Dunkin Donuts the minute they opened the gates. Then we were instructed to move out of our spot on Rt. 1 as we were partially blocking the entrance to another lot, but miraculously, when when we left to do the infamous U-turn, the outer gate to P2 opened and we were waved right in and jumped right to the front of the line! People didn't waste time grabbing spots and the lots filled to capacity in record time this week... thankfully, we had room for our 6 adjacent tents and Pats and Jets fans alike.

As usual, food was aplenty and beverages were flowing freely. Chili was on the stove and followed various breakfast offerings by folks in each tent. Karen and Don, Robin and Bob, and Robin and Geoff among others had breakfast burritos and early morning foods to share. Zip's crew included Charts, Chris, Jeremy and Jen offering the usual Bruschi Brats and special skewered New York Sirloin kabobs. Of course, Monty's grill was ablaze with various meats for the carnivores in the crowd. Al's swordfish was a hit and burgers always go over big as well. Bren brought along Mac n Cheese and Limolady provided NY wine and Italian cookies. Regulars Darren, with delicious clam chowder, Laureen and Larry, with usual box of Joe, and Chris and Kelly, with jet shaped chocolate chip cookies, (and their assorted guests) all took part in the fun, had food to share and shared alike.


Hunter and Chrissie, Garbanza, Dave, Mike, listniks Bill, Ed Bryant, Kim and Miguel (with Nancy), Planeteers Ras and JoePhoto, all took part in the fun and Dan Pires even stopped by as I was painting Ed, assisting in his Kabuki transformation. Jello shot toasts were shared by all, and chants of J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets! followed by Suck, Suck, Suck! were heard throughout the lot. Good natured ribbing took place and bets were laid down between Zip and Sooth with the winner having to pay homage to the other's team during the post game tailgate.


As game time drew near, final beverages were consumed, the tents were lowered and secured and we headed in, ready to win the rubber match between divisional opponents and the only one that mattered. With the sun shining and a slight breeze blowing up in our section, we were quite comfortable and did our part as the 12th man to secure a victory. Pats won 37-16 in an exciting game that was close until the end. We headed down to the banner for the final handshake of the season, but Tedy was called over for an interview and upon finishing blew by with quick hand slaps on his way into the locker room. Saw Johnnie "Noiseman" on the way out and stopped to chat for a minute and take a quick pic.

Post-game, the celebrations ensued, multiple champagne toasts went round and the lots were alive with the excitement that only a playoff game can provide. Folks even had fireworks blowing close by! We all ate once again, talked football, watched the late game on TV and hung out until it was time to head home. As promised, Sooth toasted our team and paid homage and instructed... Bring it home for the AFC East! I agree!!! Go Pats!




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