Monday Morning Cheerleader: Jena of the Titans
By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire
The most heartbreaking failed comeback of the young season left this sideline expert no worse for the wear: as far as she’s concerned, Chris Johnson and Co. are still primed to dominate
With 58 seconds to play on Sunday, the Tennessee Titans cut Pittsburgh’s lead to eight, recovered a clever onside kick, and rallied through 87-degree heat behind their second-string QB. But when the comeback fell short, one number loomed large: seven. That’s how many turnovers the Titans amassed in Week 2 — and it was the easiest explanation to Titans fans for how the Roethlisberger-less Steelers could trot out two back-up QBs, gain just 127 yards, and still win 19-11. (An 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the game didn’t hurt, either.)
Despite the outcome, second-year Titans cheerleader Jena remains upbeat when it comes to her 1-1 team’s prospects. Thanks to an 0-and-6 start by her Flaming Thumbtacks last year, this University of Memphis grad and hot yoga disciple (“I’m not a contortionist, but being flexible helps with what we have to do on a daily basis”) is keeping it all in perspective.
ESQUIRE: Let’s start at the beginning. You kick off, the Steelers pull a reverse, and you’re instantly down 7-0. How much did that take the crowd out of it?
JENA: You can see a difference in the fans, because it was another sellout and probably the loudest and hottest game I’ve been at yet. In a situation like that, you can feel the disappointment in the crowd. But I think they’ve learned to move on and look forward to how we’re going to come back.
ESQ: It seemed like nothing went right out there today. Were there any encouraging signs?
J: There are always encouraging signs. It was very much a defensive game for both sides, and our defense played great. Our guys played with their hearts — that’s what you want to see and what the fans want to see.
ESQ: Chris Johnson’s streak of 12 straight 100-yard rushing games got snapped as he was held to just 34. Was he off his game, or is the Steeler D just really good?
J: I don’t think he was off his game at all. The whole team knew going in it was going to be tough. The Steelers are known for preventing 100-yard games. Johnson’s still the best running back in the league. You miss him for one second, and he can be gone for 80, 90 yards. He had an 85-yard run called back for holding which would have given him the hundred yards.
ESQ: Vince Young got benched after two interceptions and a fumble. Kerry Collins comes in to cheers, and has one interception and a fumble, but he at least got the team a touchdown. Is there a QB controversy brewing?
J: This is the first time Young has ever gone up against the Steelers and their defense. Collins has been around a long time and played them before, and I think that came into it. It’s all up to Jeff Fisher, but no matter who starts, we know his decision is in the best interests of team.
ESQ: Did you have much hope when the team recovered that onside kick?
J: Absolutely. Just like the Cards game last year where we won in the last few seconds — you can’t ever give up because you never know what’s gonna happen. Those last two minutes, we were all on our toes, the crowd was back in full effect and really wanting it to happen for us. It didn’t, but I think our team is going to learn from this and be ready for the games coming up.
ESQ: Think they’ll bounce back next week in New York?
J: I believe so. We’re young, but I think that kinda helps us because you can also mold better into a team. I have all the faith in the world they can go up there and beat Eli Manning and the Giants.
ESQ: Anything else to add about the game?
J: It was extremely hot, and our guys toughed it out while the Steelers sat under shades and their trainers were squirting water on them. I guess that kind of tells you who the real men were.
ESQ: In fairness, they were wearing black jerseys.
J: Well, I have black hair, and we definitely didn’t have shade over our heads when we were cheering.
ESQ: We were going to ask you about the longest-tenured mustache in the NFL, but Fisher has morphed it into a goatee. Is this good or bad for Tennessee’s fortunes?
J: A lot of people are going with that look nowadays. If he feels he can rock out the goatee, I’m all for it.
ESQ: What’s your take on the Jets/Ines Sainz controversy?
J: It’s a tough call. I don’t know for sure what went on. It’s heartbreaking to hear something like that, but there are always two sides to every story.
ESQ: You work as a corporate accountant. So on a date, what would be smartest way for a guy to spend a hundred dollars?
J: I’m not really a mushy girl. I would love to go golfing, and you’d better not let me win. That’s a big turnoff. When I win, I want to be able to say that I won. My team has won the Titans charity golf tournament the past two years. I take it very seriously. I bring my own clubs.
