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Ask Don McKee
Inquirer Sports Writer
Don McKee has been covering sports since 1966. He joined The Inquirer as the South Jersey columnist in 1974 and has covered high schools from Atlantic City to Cincinnati; Penn State, Pitt and West Virginia football; and the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers over the years. For the last 13 years he has hosted a Sunday talk show on Sports Radio 610 WIP. He tries to live by the sage words of Lord Northcliffe, the man who created the world's first sports page in the late 19th century, and who coined the famous phrase: "News is something that somebody somewhere wants to hide. Everything else is public relations."
Read Don McKee's recent columns
Most Recent Questions & Answers
Questions: 21 - 10 of 123
1-5 versus NFC East
QWhen was the last time the Eagles were 1-5 against the NFC East (I honestly don't know)? This may not be a great Eagles team, but better than last year and 1-5 against the East seems pretty unlikely. Thoughts?
Jim, San Francisco, CA 04/16/08
AThey were 0-6 in the division in 2005. And I certainly see no evidence they are better than last season. best, dm
Don McKee
Seriously?
QSeriously? 7-9? Seriously? The Eagles finished last year at .500 on the upswing -- the offense finally showed signs of life - as goes Donovan's knee, so goes the offense -- and the defense showed some tenacity and pride. Lets keep in mind a few other tidbits, the Eagles currently have 3 pro-bowl caliber corners (yes I know, Lito probably won't be on the opening weekend roster), A strengthened defensive line and a young, athletic, linebacking corps - not to mention the upgrade at D-End. We have no reason not to believe that the defense will step up and regain its "Johnson-esque" form. And the offense, with Brian Westbrook and a healthy McNabb, can still place fear in the hearts of defensive coordinators around the league. I know, I know, "What about wide receiver?" Well, let's wait to see if the draft clears up that mess. I'm not claiming the Iggles will be 13-3, but I think they have a better shot of 11-5 than 7-9.
IgglesFanInPittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 04/16/08
ARight now the LBs are the strength of the team, obviously. There are major problems all over the rest of the team, on both sides of the ball: pass rush, safety, OL, TE, WR, FB, just to name a few. I think it will be a struggle all year to get to 7-9. keep in mind that the wins i counted at Chicago, SF and over Cleveland are not sure pops. best, dm
Don McKee
Eagles Schedule
QDon,
I wanted to know how your first instincts lead you to the Giants being better then the eagles when they lost a good chunk of that championship defense? How it lead you to pick the Cardinals and Bengals like they were actual legitimate football franchises and then that we would split with the redskins who have a QB learning his 50th system since being in Washington. Through Free Agency and the healthy return of a few players, I think the eagles (on paper right now) have the best defense in the conference, which alone will win us more then the 5 wins you think is possible.
Jim, Fort Walton Beach, PA 04/16/08
A
The Eagles still need to address many problems, jim: qb, wr, te, fb, ol, pass rush, safety. the LBs should be a team strength but the rest of the defense is just a bit above average. given the offensive deficiencies, i don't see the defense being able to win all that many games for the O.
they might beat Arizona and Cincy. but they might lose at Chicago, at SF and to Cleveland. It's gonna be a struggle all season. best, dm
Don McKee
What are you smoking?
QEagles 7-9?It's sports writers like yourself that help tarnish Philadelhia and its sports teams!I have never seen a city like Philly that gets bashed by its own writers like yourself.You are like a cancer!Cancer is not good!Try some optimism sometimes,it sure can't hurt.
bigdaddyeagle87, toms river, NJ 04/16/08
A
Actually, I was being as optimistic as the situation warrants. I gave the Eagles wins at Chicago, at SF and over Cleveland here, and those are not sure pops by any means.
Regarding the writers: the tarnish on Philadelphia is applied by the performance of the teams and the conduct of the fans. The tarnish on the sports writing profession is applied by the pathetic sychophants who root for the teams they cover and apologize for millionaire athletes. best, dm
Don McKee
Eagles Sched
QMcKee is a negative moron. Welcome to Philadelphia Journalism where we constantly attempt to point out anything negative. Go 15-1 and McKee would complain that you lost one.
Albert, FishTown, PA 04/16/08
AMcKee is an objective observer, whereas most sports writers are unabashed fans. thanx, dm
Don McKee
What are you thinking?
QHow big of a rush were you in to get this out? 10-6 sounds alot more likely. You need to give them more credit. Even though they didnt create very many turnovers there defense is still very good and reggie brown is going to have a breakout year with a healthy Mcnabb throwing to him and. The giants are a one year wonder and the eagles can win both games against them and the redskins. The cowboys will be alot tougher but they can probrably get one of them.
brian, WA 04/16/08
Agiven their problems on both sides of the ball, brian, i think they'll struggle all season to get to 7 wins. that wouldn't change if i spent six hours on the column or six days. best, dm
Don McKee
Larry Bowa
QDon,
Is Larry really that obnoxious or is some of it "show"? Yea, once in the big leagues they call it getting to the show but I often wonder how much of his "act" is really an act.
Secondly, how can he survive in the "bigs" if he wears out on people so quickly?
TheRefUmp, Norristown, PA 04/07/08
AOh no...that's the real Larry. He's got an incredibly short fuse. That's why the players got him fired here four years ago. I remember his very first spring training when the babies in the clubhouse were complaining about him trying to win games in March! best, dm
Don McKee
Back on the schedule
QDon
Noticed you are on the schedule for a shift this weekend at WIP!
Will we be hearing more of you, or is this more of a "special appearance" ?
Wick , Norwood, PA 03/26/08
A
Hey Wick:
Right now it's a special appearance but I'm hoping for more shifts as the summer progresses.
thanx for writing
dm
Don McKee
terelle pryor
Qany indication as to which college mr pryor will select to show off his football talents?
lee moyer, indianapolis, IN 03/16/08
AFrom the very beginning of this process, he has preferred Ohio State. I would bet very strongly on the Buckeyes.
His tepid interest in Penn State was only at the insistence of his father who is a Lions fan.
Don McKee
Flyer Players
QHey Don.....
My question is Why do the flyers have trouble getting the puck out of their own zone? They have been making the same mistakes over and over throughout the year..... It seems like a fundamental problem and is Stevens addressing the issue like he should....These mistakes are costing them wins. I feel if Hitchcock was here he would have fixed this problem by now. Thanks, George
George, atco, NJ 03/14/08
AFrom what I can see, they have never recovered from losing Kim Johnsson and Eric DesJardins. Fundamentals? Yes, teaching them in clearly the responsibility of the coach, but if the players can't or won't learn the system or don't have the innate ability to move the puck, then better players is the only cure. thanx, dm
Don McKee
Questions: 21 - 10 of 123
