Terry Robiskie, right, with Albert Connell Reginald A. Pearman Jr. washingtonpost.com

Robiskie joined the Redskins as wide receivers coach in 1994 after spending 12 years as a coach with the Raiders. A running back out of LSU, Robiskie was drafted by Oakland in 1977 and played for five seasons, three for the Raiders and two for the Dolphins.

washingtonpost.com: Welcome back to Airing It Out and thanks to Terry for joining us. We'll be getting started momentarily.

Fairfax, VA: Coach Robiskie, The offense has done tremendously well picking up Jeff George, Adrian Murrell and Chris Samuels beside bringing back virtually all essential personnel from last season. The 'Skins, however, haven't picked up a notable WR that could complement Westbrook and Connell. You didn't draft a wideout early in the later rounds until the 7th, when most of the good ones had been taken. Do the 'Skins plan to continue pursuing a trade for a young and capable veteran receiver before the 2000 season starts?

Terry Robiskie: No. I am thrilled with the receivers I have. I like Irving Fryar who's an old veteran guy. I like James Thrash who's a younger yet a good player. And I'm in love with a kid named Derrius Thompson. So I have no need for another guy. The guys I have I like better than 90% of the guys in the draft. So why take one?

Land of Burgundy & Gold: Coach,
You probably mentioned Warrick's name during every discussion last season. When did you find out that we were not going for him? How early was that decision made?
Secondly, I see that we did indeed draft a WR, although he was 5th from last in the draft. How much do you know about Mr. Howell?

Terry Robiskie: I know he's extremely quick. Extremely fast and has a love of the game. I knew very early that we were not going for Warrick. He's a very special player and a unique guy. He just wasn't for the Redskins.

Newark, DE: Why did the 'Skins pass on Dez White in the third round? I know that wide reciever depth was addressed later, but I thought White was a steal in the middle of the second round, let alone the third round.

Terry Robiskie: Well I was not sold on Dez White in the second or the third round. I'm not sure he could help us. So there's no way I could take him in an early round. Glad you liked him. Hope he turns into a good player.

Hollywood, CA: Even in the Job Gibbs era, with the possible exception of John Riggins and Joe Theismann, the Redskins did not have players that were considered media "Stars." Although his performance on the field is most important, do you think that Arrington has the makeup to have total superstar quality? He seems to be oozing it out now.

Thomas

Terry Robiskie: Absolutely. I think we're looking at the NFL defensive rookie of the year.

Hamilton, Bermuda: Do you think that bringing in George and Husack potentially in place of Peete and Weldon will have the negative effect on Johnson that the press seems to think? If not why?

Terry Robiskie: I do not. I believe Brad Johnson wants to win a championship. Anything that adds to and helps us to win will be ok with Brad.

Richmond, VA: Stephen Alexander, while not having a bad year last season (29 receptions, 324 yards, 3 TD), didn't seem to have that much of an impact, especially in the red zone. Do you see him being more involved in the offense next season?

Terry Robiskie: I hope. I think Stephen slowed down a little after his injury. If he can avoid injuries this season I'll be disappointed if he's not in the Pro Bowl.

Germantown MD: With the addition of Chris Samuels and the extra time he should bring to the quarterback to pass, will you put in more deep routes in the passing game to keep the opposing defences in fear of the long bomb.

Terry Robiskie: Put in more deep routes? What are you talking about? Last year our two receivers led the National Football League in yards per catch at 18.3. How many more deep balls do we need? Our receivers led the league in big plays of 20 yards or more. Trust me. We don't need any more deep passes.

Joplin, Missouri: What are your plans for James Thrash this year? Thank you. Sid Spector

Terry Robiskie: To continue to make sure that he's improving and he's ready to go when called upon.

Clifton, New Jersey: What did you think when the Skins looked into trading for Keyshawn Johnson?

Terry Robiskie: I thought it was just the excitement of the day. I'm not sure we were ready to pull the trigger on that one.

washingtonpost.com: Stephen Davis just joined Terry and will take questions for the next 10 minutes or so.

North Reading, MA: If the Skins get Deion Sanders would you ever use him as a receiver?

Terry Robiskie: Probably not. I would much prefer to use Champ Bailey. I'm not sure if the Deion Sanders deal will ever happen. But if it does, he'll have his hands full with learning the defense and hopefully returning punts or kicks. So I'm not sure there'll be enough days in the week for him to learn the receiver position.

sterling, va: Stephen:

Are you going to play with the 'skins for the foreseeable future? Please say YES!

Terry Robiskie and Stephen Davis: Stephen - Yes, I hope so. I've got my fingers crossed and doing all I can to get it done. But of course it's in the hands of Dan Snyder.

Arlington, VA: Stephen,

Great Job last year!
Do you think with the added talent this off season, the team can repeat what you accomplished last year? How are contract negotiations going? Don't hold out!

Fan, numero uno !

Terry Robiskie and Stephen Davis: Stephen - I have no intention of holding out. But of course, I'm trying to secure my future. Yes, I do believe with the drafting of the left tackle we have a chance to be a dominant offensive team.

Arlington: Good afternoon Terry and Stephen
My question is for Stephen, you must be thrilled that Norv got you another big offensive lineman. I just want to know how your injuries from last year are progressing. I'm looking for you to lead us to the Super Bowl trophy and rush for 2000 yards! You are the engine to this high powered offense and I hope you can stay healthy for all 19 games!

Terry Robiskie and Stephen Davis: Stephen - My injury's coming along extremely well. I don't even call it an injury anymore. We're talking about it in the past. I have set my goal this season to again lead the NFC in rushing. If it takes 2000, then so be it. And of course, if we're in Tampa for the Super Bowl that's all that matters. Everything else is icing on the cake.

Seattle WA: Hi Stephen. Congratulations on last year! Hope your offseason is going well. My question: Of all the defenses you faced last year, which was toughest to run against? Thanks, Peter Ponomarev

Terry Robiskie and Stephen Davis: Stephen - I'm not quite sure. Tampa Bay at the end of the season was very difficult. Of course, my ankle was sore. Dallas, in Dallas, was a tough game on the turf and very physical. So it's hard to pick which one of those two comes to my mind at this moment.

Manassas, VA: Stephen, With all the money Washington is throwing around to other free agents, are you starting to wonder if they'll have enough left for you to get what you deserve?

Terry Robiskie and Stephen Davis: Stephen - No. I'm not concerned with that. I'm sure that no matter how much the Redskins spend, they'll reserve my share. They know what the salary cap is. And they will hopefully save my portion.

Fairfax VA: I would ask one question a piece for Mr. Davis and the coach. Coach, I think you would agree that Albert Connell was a very nice addition to Michael in the passing game, yet at time (especially toward to end of halves), he seems to make mental errors. What kind of improvements are you looking from Albert? Mr. Davis, I'm sure Redskins fans are looking foward to seeing you thrive in the new and improved O-line. Can the fans rest assured of you and the management working out a contract in time for the camps?

Terry Robiskie and Stephen Davis: Terry - I think we're always looking for improvement from all our guys. Last year Albert caught 63. This year I'm looking for 83. Last year he finished with 7 or 8 TDs, so this year I'm looking for 10 TDs.

Stephen - The fans can rest assured I'm doing all I can to get it done.

Baltimore: Hi Steve-
Two quick questions. What formation do you like to run out of the most, and what have you been doing to train in the offseason. Thanks

Terry Robiskie and Stephen Davis: Stephen - I like the I formation best because it better allows me to see the hole. As for conditioning, I've been doing a little bit of everything: sprints, up-hills, 2 and 3 miles, a little bit of everything.

I've got to go. Thanks for the questions.

Lancaster, Pa: What is going to happen with Brian Mitchell?

Terry Robiskie : I'm not sure. That's a decision that's a little above my head. I'm not sure.

Fredericksburg,VA: Did Mr. Snyder suggest that everyone wear ties in the war room on Saturday, or was that just a coincidence?

Terry Robiskie : Well, like I said, I hope no one saw me with a tie. I didn't have one. It was the first time we were ever in the war room with a TV camera looking at all of us. So I think some of us got a little excited about being on TV. Unfortunately I don't like ties, so I didn't wear mine.

Evanston, IL: Why did the Redskins like QB Husak over Hamilton and Martin?

Terry Robiskie : We felt like with Hamilton and Martin it would change the structure of our offense a little more. So to maintain our offense and what we believe in, we thought Husak was a better fit.

Centreville, VA: Coach, do you honestly think Deion Sanders is worth the money – the self-hype, the lack of real hitting, and the distraction?? I don't and I have yet to meet a fan that does.

Thanks.

Terry Robiskie : When you ask me if I think Deion is worth the money, I have to ask you what is the money? Nobody knows what the money is. So I'll ask you. If the money is 1 million and we can sign him for 1 million is that too much? If it's 1.5 million is that too much? Everybody wants to know if he's worth the money, but nobody knows how much money. Nobody knows the cost. So would you sign Deion for 1 million?

Atlanta: Does the pressure of knowing you are the favorites to emerge from the NFC change anything the Redskins do? How will the Redskins adjust to the spotlight now?

Terry Robiskie : Absolutely not. I think the pressure placed upon you when you're picked to finish last is a hell of a lot greater than the pressure of being picked to finish first. At least the pressure of being picked first, you're not sitting here with an ultimatum: win or get fired. When you're picked in last place, there is no ultimatum. You know you'll get fired.

Rockville MD: Coach - Has there been any thought to possibly acquiring Carl Pickens from the Bengals? Thanks.

Terry Robiskie : No. He doesn't fit with what we do and what I do. Just not a good fit.

Gaithersburg, MD: What are some of the differences between Jeff George and Brad Johnson in their passing game? It would be interesting to see who has the better capacity to read complicated defense formations. What is your opinion?

Terry Robiskie : I'm not sure. I've never worked with or been on the field with Jeff George. I do know both guys are very accurate passers and capable of winning any game they start.

Lynchburg, Va: Coach Robiskie, Can you tell us a little about Ethan Howell?? I have never heard of him. What can he bring to the team? Thanks Zack

Terry Robiskie : He brings speed, quickness and a lot of energy. He's a very, very energetic guy. Great quickness. Excellent speed. And toughness. I'm looking forward to working with him.

Middletown. NY: Hi, Coach...
It's me, the "Rolex" guy from last season. Hope you and yours had a safe and happy offseason. (God knows, you've earned it.) I have two questions. First, did Casserly contact you for a position in the new franchise? Second, has A.C. had a good offseason, work-wise? Not saying anything negative, but hopefully his snap-decision making process is a little sharper this year.

Terry Robiskie : No. Charley did not contact me. Of course, they haven't started interviewing coaches yet. So I'm sure if you give him a call and suggest that he does contact me, he might. Thanks for asking. Thanks for your support.

New York: With all the talk concerning Deion Sanders, I have to ask do offensive coaches really design game plans away from him? Is he still good enough to take away a side of the field from your plans?

Terry Robiskie : Well, you don't design game plans away from him. But you do avoid certain throws, certain passes. The deep comeback, the deep out, some plays you just don't throw on him. But he is very capable of taking any receiver out of the game.

Rockville, MD: My best friend plays for Wake Forest. He called me today to tell me the Skins signed free agent WR Jammie Deese. That's is great! He has so much heart, what are your thoughts on him? Hail to the Skins!!!

Terry Robiskie : Well, that was my reason for signing him as a free agent -- his heart. I have no idea if he can make my team. But I like his heart. I wish him luck.

Greenbelt, MD: Hi Coach, glad to have you back! A couple of questions. 1. When the "war room cam" was on you guys Saturday, you were the only one who was, well.....stoneface would be a good term. Is that just your demeanor, as I suspect, or were you displeased about something? 2. Do you feel we have enough WRs right now to be set for the season even if someone goes down with an injury as usually happens on every team? Is Champ, in effect, the backup last move WR we have? Thanks Coach, your participation is really appreciated.

Terry Robiskie : That is my demeanor any time it's football. Always looking for someone to kick the s*** out of.

Washington, DC: Terry was the quarterback at Second Ward Edgard when I played high school football for a little school called Central Catholic in Morgan City. I remember playing against Second Ward because Terry was phenomenal, particularly by comparison with the scrawny guys on my team. I am now a lawyer here in D.C. and just wanted to tell Terry I remember those high school games and how tremendous he was.

Terry Robiskie : Did you play for Central Catholic? My sophomore year you guys beat us 14-0 which really pissed me off. I got hit as hard in that game as I'd ever been hit in all my high school games. You guys won 14-0. Of course we never forgave you. The next year we beat you 38-7. My last year we beat you 77-0. If we played you tomorrow I'd try to beat you 97-0. I always remembered a hit I took to the head against Central Catholic my sophomore year. You guys had a good team. Hey, thanks for writing. Come back.

Lorton, VA: How will Adrian Murrell fit into the offensive scheme? Will the Redskins keep Brian Mitchell as an insurance in case Murrell gets hurt? What can we expect from the Redskins offense this year - pass, run, trick plays, balanced offense?

Terry Robiskie : Of course you should expect our normal offense. The reverses, the trick passes, Stephen Davis long runs, Michael Westbrook breaking tackles, Albert Connell deep passes. All the usual will still be intact. As for Adrian Murrell, he's another football player on our team trying to make the roster.

Okinawa, Japan: Coach Robiskie,

Who is the coach that the players fear the most?

Terry Robiskie : I'm not sure that the players fear any coach. I think they respect their coaches but it is not a fear factor. We're all men in one arena, with one purpose and one cause. There's no reason to fear, just respect. Now let's go win.

Fredericksburg, VA: Terry, can you tell us a little about Derrius Thompson?

Terry Robiskie : Derrius Thompson is a young man we signed last year as a free agent out of Baylor. He's 6'4", 215. Runs a 4.55 40. He's very tough. Excellent size. And runs extremely well. I'm expecting big things from Derrius Thompson this season.

Laurel, MD: Coach...are you worried about the chemistry between Brad Johnson and Jeff George? Could this be a stressful situation and a distraction for the team?

Terry Robiskie : I hope not. I think distractions come about when you're losing. Everyone is dancing, rejoicing and having fun when you're winning. Winners don't have time to become jealous. Losers do nothing else but show jealousy and envy. So I hope it's not a distraction or it creates a negative for the team. I don't think it will. But I hope it doesn't.

washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have. Thanks to Terry Robiskie and Stephen Davis. Stay tuned for another edition of Airing It Out. See you then.