“Pressure is a privilege.” — Billie Jean King
“Pressure makes diamonds.” — George S. Patton Jr.
“Pressure sucks.” — Me right now
I’m sitting on my couch, feeling anxious and a bit sick. What’s wrong? It’s playoff time for my Ravens.
Every year, fans like me hope to see our teams make it to the playoffs and aim for the Super Bowl. But nobody tells you that if your team actually gets there, it often leads to a whirlwind of nerves and stress.
Take the recent game against the Steelers. The Ravens jumped to a 21-0 lead by halftime, and I felt a wave of relief. “We got this,” I thought.
But then, things changed. Pittsburgh’s quarterback started throwing impressive passes, chipping away at our lead. Before I knew it, they scored, and I was yelling at my TV. Just like that, the score was 21-7.
We responded with a big play from Derrick Henry, and for a moment, I felt in control again. But then the Steelers struck back. Suddenly, it was 28-14, and I had to stop and remind myself to breathe.
Even though we were still ahead, my mind was racing. If we blew a 21-point lead, it would haunt me—much like the notorious loss to the Patriots a few years back. I’m sure you know the one.
Only when the game ended did I finally relax. But instead of celebration, I was frustrated. Letting the Steelers back in felt like a failure on our part, revealing some cracks in our game.
If someone told me we’d win 28-14 before the game, I would have been ecstatic. But in the moment, I couldn’t shake my worries. What if Lamar Jackson’s ribs were more than just a concern?
Playoff anxiety is real, especially when your team is favored. Whenever analysts rave about the Ravens, I can’t help but shout, “Stop it!”
It’s not just about being good; it’s about proving something—especially for Lamar. He’s already achieved so much, with MVPs and records, but people still say he hasn’t won the big one. Last year’s close call in the playoffs felt like a missed opportunity to silence those doubts.
I want Lamar to succeed, not just for the team or the city, but for him. The pressure of needing a championship can be overwhelming.
As I prepare for the next game against the Bills, my nerves are already on edge. I wish we were facing a different opponent. Yet, here I am, ready to cheer through it all. I’ll wear the same lucky outfit, clutching the couch, feeling the excitement and tension build.
And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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