New this season – full hat-off security patdown before entering the gates. Biggest line ever. We missed the flyover – we heard the cheer from inside right as the jets blasted over the stadium wall above us.

On the plus: we also missed Jessica Simpson sing the America the Beautiful. Call it a draw.

We did make it in for opening kickoff. A beautiful September day, scattered clouds teasing us with shade.

In September 2005 a gallon of gas is three bucks and there are concession cashiers reserved exclusively for Redskins-brand Visa cardholders. But a plastic bottle of lite beer is still under ten bucks, holding steady at seven for the last few seasons. In 2005 we call this a break.

The sun was tough on our vendor. We didn’t see him – or QB Patrick Ramsey for that matter – again after the first quarter.

GWB flew low to get a look at the situation on the ground. Not good – a couple of field goals to counter a lone opposition touchdown.

Final Score: Washington 9, Chicago 7

A baseball score. Across town the Washington Nationals fell to the Atlanta Braves by the same count.

Yeah, it’s doubly devastating down here.