Monday Tuesday Morning Cheerleader: Jamilla of the Washington Redskins

By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire

Some honest answers (“The blooper reel isn’t a good look on national TV”) about a 2-and-5 team and its on-the-rocks coach after a Monday-night loss to the Eagles

Seven games into the season and the Redskins finally faced a team that wasn’t winless. Considering they’d triumphed in only two of those first six, no one was exactly shocked when Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson torched them for 136 yards and two touchdowns last night. All this as Washington committed four turnovers — including a fumbled snap on fourth-and-goal — in a 27-17 loss that wasn’t as close as it looked and might put the ‘Skins in the cellar for good.

Indeed, these are dark days in D.C., but we found a beacon of hope in cheerleading captain and premium season-ticket executive Jamilla, who performs for U.S. soldiers across the globe (“I really hope we can bring our troops back soon”) and pursues a hobby that’s, um, sparkling (“I’ve rhinestoned all the girls’ boots, my boss’ nameplate, and the fax machine here in the office”). She talked about key injuries, a struggling young O-line, and how the Skins can still, say, win out and make the playoffs.

ESQUIRE: Okay, so first game with former senior center bingo caller Sherman Smith sending in plays instead of Jim Zorn, and the ‘Skins score 17 points, matching their best offensive output of the season. Thoughts?

JAMILLA: I’ll be honest, I’m glad that they actually got into the end zone. It was just good to see that we are able to do that. Even though one of the scores was really late and a lot of fans had already left, it might be a step in the right direction.

ESQ: Were you anywhere near Clinton Portis when he chucked his helmet?

J: No, I wasn’t, which is probably a good thing. That might have hurt a bit. The guys are fired up, and that shows in their frustration.

ESQ: Well, an interception, fumbles, dropped passes, six sacks, a ball bouncing off Antwaan Randle-El’s facemask into Philly’s hands — it’d be a pretty funny blooper reel if it weren’t your own team. Hard to watch from the sidelines?

J: When the Eagles scored in the first two minutes, I was like, “Wow.” We have a lot of key players out, like pro bowler Chris Samuels on the offensive line and now tight end Chris Cooley. This is a good time for a bye week — hopefully we can regroup and get back to playing Redskins football at Atlanta. The blooper reel isn’t a good look on national TV.

ESQ: Despite all the mistakes, the ‘Skins only lost by 10 points. The other losses have been by 6, 5, 3, and 8. Do you feel the team’s tantalizingly close to having a lot better of a record?

J: Definitely. With some of the scores being so close, that’s kind of heartbreaking. The defense has been holding the team together — defensive end Andre Carter is having a phenomenal year. If the offense could stay on the field just a little more, that would make the difference. With about half the season left, we can still be successful. We’ll see the Eagles again.

ESQ: What are the keys to turning it around?

J: I think the offense is starting to gel, although Jason Campbell gets sacked more than we’d like to see. Thanks to injuries, our offensive line is young — this is only Stephon Heyer’s second season — but guys need to step up and keep other teams off our quarterback.

ESQ: With five minutes left, down by 17 and facing fourth and goal, the Redskins botched the snap. One of the MNF commentators said, “And that… summarizes the Washington Redskins.” Agree or disagree?

J: Disagree. That may have come from a lack of focus and frustration, but I don’t think that characterizes us as a team. What does characterize us? Well, the cheerleaders are the sexiest ladies in the NFL — a very sophisticated, classy, highly educated group that loves to dance and loves the Redskins. As for the football team, I do believe our players have a lot of heart. We just need to get everyone’s heart in the same place.

ESQ: The oft-criticized Jason Campbell was actually 29 for 43 for 284 yards and two TDs, with a passer rating of 91.6. What’s the feeling about him around the team?

J: That he’s the quarterback. A lot of times people point fingers at the quarterback, but overall he’s done a good job. Him having a different coordinator every year hasn’t helped. He’s more of a silent leader, as opposed to being very outspoken and in your face, but I think he encourages everyone around him by how hard he works and how he plays, things we don’t always necessarily see.

ESQ: On a related note, head of football operations Vinny Cerrato says Jim Zorn’s job is safe until the end of season. What’s the feeling about him?

J: I met Coach Zorn when he came here last year, and he’s a really nice guy who coaches with a lot of heart. It’s a tough situation going from quarterbacks coach to head coach, especially here in D.C. where the fans are so into the team. I’m sure walking down the street, the pressure is always on. But around here we still support him, and I don’t see why the average fan wouldn’t.

ESQ: Your final nine games include only one against a team with a losing record, and match-ups with the undefeated Broncos and Saints. You’re the cheerleader. Give ‘Skins fans a reason to be optimistic.

J: We’ve had some tough starts in the seven seasons I’ve been here. This is probably the roughest, but late in the season we are often able to turn things around. We’re gonna cheer hard and smile pretty, and I believe the team could rally, win every last one of the games and go to the playoffs. Stranger things have happened.

[Jamilla at Redskins.com]