Eagles guard might owe starting spot to Twitter

Many people might mock the effectiveness of Twitter, but Evan Mathis is not one of them.

Thanks to a fan's suggestion that Mathis be put in the starting lineup for the Philadelphia Eagles at left guard, and Mathis and others re-tweeting the fan's suggestion, Mathis got a shot and will start Sunday against St. Louis in the Eagles' season opener.

In an attempt to get quarterback Michael Vick better protection, a fan suggested last week on Twitter that Mathis go to left guard and Todd Herremans be moved to right tackle. Maybe it was just coincidence, but the Eagles' coaching staff was thinking the same thing.

Mathis, though, is glad to give Twitter credit for his promotion to the starting lineup.

"I don't take anything seriously except football," Mathis told reporters. "But when it comes to anything else, I'm going to have fun with it."

■ FIFTH TIME THE CHARM -- Give Alexa Flutie credit. She doesn't give up easily.

The 23-year-old daughter of former pro quarterback Doug Flutie finally made the New England Patriots cheerleading squad on her fifth try. She was among 300 women competing for 31 spots.

"I've always idolized the cheerleaders," she told The Fan 590 in Toronto. "Going to all of my dad's football games, I always looked up to them on the sidelines, and it was something I wanted to do. I actually auditioned for them for the past four years (while) I was in college, and then I just got the gig this past year right when I got out of college, so it was pretty exciting."

She said her dad's reaction to the news was positive.

"He actually was very enthusiastic about it," she said. "He supports me in everything I do, especially me wanting to grow up and wanting to be a professional dancer and performer. He thinks it's great and a great opportunity.

"It's just kinda cool that now his child gets to walk in his footsteps."

Footsteps? She should have played in the Lingerie Football League if she wanted to follow in her dad's footsteps.

■ LIKES THE LOOK -- The feedback on Maryland's football uniforms has been mostly negative since the Terrapins unveiled their new look Monday night against Miami.

But not everyone is hating it.

Locomotives rookie linebacker Dave Philistin played at Maryland, and he would have loved wearing the uniforms, which have elements of the Maryland state flag throughout them.

"I think it's outstanding," Philistin said. "It's great. It's innovative. It's representing the Maryland flag, and I give them credit for coming up with something so bold."

Philistin said he wouldn't be surprised if other state schools imitate the Terrapins' look.

"I think it could catch on," he said. "Take your state flag and put it on your uniform. That would be cool."

Perhaps. But it might depend on the state. Here in Nevada, it's hard to imagine either UNLV or UNR adopting the "Battle Born" look on their football helmets.

COMPILED BY STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL