Monday Morning Cheerleader: Alicia of the Eagles
By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire
After a big loss to the Redskins, get sideline commentary on the return of McNabb, the injury to Vick, and why an 18-game NFL season would be good for everyone involved
So the old quarterback, a six-time Pro Bowler, rolls into town at the helm of a division rival. Across the sidelines is the new quarterback, an ex-con who’s showing flashes of his old magic. Old QB builds a quick lead, new QB gets hurt diving for glory, and his backup, who had been the starter, comes off the bench, throws a bunch, lofts a pass into the end zone as the clock ticks to zero, and… Eagles wideout Jason Avant can’t corral Kevin Kolb’s final heave, leaving Donovan McNabb, his 1.7 second-half passer rating, and the Redskins to walk off with a 17-12 win and creating a three-way tie atop the NFC East.
But beneath the surface of a game that sounds more melodramatic than Any Given Sunday, you’ll find an offensive dud and a Philadelphia squad ravaged by mistakes (eight penalties, a critical fumble) and missed opportunities (a TD lost to clock mismanagement). Putting a positive spin on things is veteran Eagles cheerleader Alicia. The line captain and aspiring poker ace — her first tournament was hosted by A-Rod and Jay-Z — explains how these birds can still soar when the chips are down.
ESQUIRE: What did you think of the reception McNabb got — cheers when his name was announced, then vicious boos once he took the field?
ALICIA: I wasn’t sure how our fans would receive him. We’re known for booing certain people, so it was a nice surprise when they gave him a standing ovation. We are the city of Brotherly Love, he took us to five NFC championship games, and we thanked for him that. But once he was in the huddle, he’s a Redskin, and the fans are there to cheer for the Eagles.
ESQ: What was the biggest factor in the loss today?
A: The Redskins played good defense. They tried to take out DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. But I always look at the positive. LeSean McCoy had 12 receptions, Brent Celek caught his first touchdown of the season, and on the defensive end, Nate Allen got his third interception, the most by any rookie since Brian Dawkins.
ESQ: How was the mood after Michael Vick got hurt?
A: It was pretty somber. He’s an athlete, he tries to make plays, you have to commend him for that, but unfortunately he got smashed between two players. I think Kolb put up a great effort in trying to bring the team back.
ESQ: Kolb actually had better numbers than McNabb, but it seemed like all he threw were five-yard passes to McCoy. Can he get the ball farther down the field?
A: Of course. Unfortunately his first game he had a concussion, so he hasn’t had much regular season time to work with Jackson and Maclin. He did have 22 completions for 201 yards. I’m hoping he’ll learn to throw deeper. We’re lucky to have two great QBs who are better than some teams’ starters.
ESQ: Can you explain what happened at the end of the half, when the Eagles were a yard from the end zone, took a timeout, then got called for delay of game and settled for a field goal?
A: They thought the ball was moved, and then when they went back out they didn’t have time. Andy Reid’s a great coach, there’s a lot going on with two quarterbacks, and I think it was something he couldn’t control. Things happen, and you just gotta keep going.
ESQ: How different are the headlines today if Jason Avant somehow comes down with the ball at the end?
A: It would have been a great win. The last minute of the fourth quarter was so tense and exciting. He almost got it — it had that glimmer of hope. Philly would have been ecstatic. A win’s a win, especially in a division game. But we are only in Week 4. We’re 2-2, it’s not we’re like 0-4. It’s still early.
ESQ: After the game, McNabb said, “I think all of the quarterbacks got booed today.” Is that accurate?
A: It’s Philadelphia. We’re passionate. There was a lot of booing and cheering, and it’s sometimes hard to say what the fans are booing and cheering for. They get excited because they care. They live and die Eagles football. That’s why I love cheering for the Eagles. The fans are always there. That’s loyalty.
ESQ: You’re the cheerleader. What would you say to Philly fans to get them excited about the rest of the season?
A: It’s only October, don’t get down yet, we can go up. Look at the bigger picture: we have a young team, and we still have the whole season ahead of us to get better. Focus on that and see where it takes us.
ESQ: There’s a lot of talk about the NFL moving to an eighteen-game schedule. How would that affect the cheerleaders? Would you make more money?
A: I personally would love it. The season is short enough as it is. We only cheer at every home game, so to have an extra one would be fabulous. We love to perform and be on the field. If the season were all year, I’d be happy. There’s no other feeling like it. You can ask any cheerleader, and they’d all say the same thing. We pretty much rehearse year-round anyway. We get paid by the game. An extra game or two — or ten — would be great.
ESQ: You’re a poker fiend. Do poker skills score points with you?
A: It definitely helps. The game is so psychological, and you have to be extremely intelligent to play. So any guy that is good in poker, the intelligence is there. If a guy can give me some competition, I’m all for it.
ESQ: What if a guy is just really good at shuffling?
A: As long as he doesn’t use any deceit with the cards. I’ve got some sharp eyes, so it’s hard to pull one over on me. When I go to tournaments, guys, especially older men, when they see a female, they think, “What does this girl know about poker?” I use that to my advantage. I may look like a nice little innocent girl, but I’ve got tricks up my sleeves. I use my feminine charms, whatever it takes to win.
