Terry Robiskie, right 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 With Terry Robiskie. Let's get right to it.

Washington DC: Coming away from the minicamp, what was your prevailing feeling? What sense did you get when it was over?

Terry Robiskie: I got a sense of a group of players whose desire it is to go win the Super Bowl. There was a lot of experience in this camp. A lot of veteran players. A lot of guys appearing to be getting ready to go win. Veteran guys who've been in the league a few years and now they want to win. And they want to win today. That's the one feeling I received.

Arlington, Va.: Coach Robiskie:
You have mentioned Derrius Thompson recently as a wide receiver who might surprise people in the upcoming season. Has he had a good offseason/minicamp? Where would you place him on the wide receiver depth chart at this point?

Terry Robiskie: Well, today he's in the No. 5 spot. He is my fifth receiver. But at this time he's having an excellent minicamp. I'm very excited about Derrius. He may push the other receivers but in the end he will have to work hard to help us on special teams.

Houston: Coach, what would be the best things that the receivers could accomplish in minicamp? What are your goals?

Terry Robiskie: My goal is as a unit to everyday become more and more consistent. I'd like to see more consistency from all my guys.

Alexandria: Terry: in your responses last week you mentioned that a player wasn't a "good fit."
First: with regard to the quarterback question, Hamilton and Martin vs. Husack, what exactly do you mean by a "good fit", e.g. what is the "Washington Style or Scheme" that defines the Skins. And, second, what is the "right fit" regarding receivers, that defines the style Pickens or Dez White embodies versus what the Skins look for?

Terry Robiskie: I think in every system there must be a fit. For example, the Washington Redskins like the Dallas Cowboys or the San Francisco 49ers don't like 5-7 or 5-6 wide receivers. We like the bigger, more physical type of players. Now, when I stated that Carl Pickens doesn't fit that was my personal feelings. I was speaking about his mental attitude, and I'm not sold on his ability to run. Dez White, I was not sold on as a pure receiver. I see him as a converted running back trying to play receiver. That's why, for me, he wasn't a fit. And that's what I mean. Every guy doesn't fit every system.

I think Joe Hamilton is a move-around out of the pocket type of quarterback. He cannot stand in the pocket and make plays. A lot like [Steve] McNair from Tennessee. Tee Martin is a good quarterback. He too will struggle in the pocket. Husack is a pocket drop-back type of quarterback. And we thought he was a good pick at that time on the board.

Charlotte, N.C.: Good afternoon coach, could you please talk about the off-season workouts of Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell. Have they come back to mini-camp stronger, in great shape and mentally ready to make a run at the Super Bowl?

Terry Robiskie: Michael Westbrook is in excellent shape. He took part in a marathon competition, a tough man competition last month. So he had to get in shape for that. Albert Connell is not in 100 percent condition today, but he's working out every day and getting ready.

Mantoloking, N.J.: Coach, The Post reports that Irving Fryar looked really impressive at minicamp. Given his age and experience, just what was it that looked so impressive over last year?

Terry Robiskie: Last year he reported out of shape and not ready. This year his weight is down. He's in great shape and he's ready to go.

Bethesda: Coach,
Norv said Ray Rhodes and you gave don't believe your hype talks to the defense and offense, respectively. Care to share any of it and do you think it sunk in?

Terry Robiskie: Yes I do. And the talk was exactly that: Don't believe the hype. It was a conversation of not believing how good you are because it's in the newspaper. No team has ever won a Super Bowl because of how good they look on paper.

Fort Worth, Tx.: Where you there when LaVar hit Larry Centers? Was the hit as hard as they say it was?

Terry Robiskie: That hit was more of a shock and surprise collision than a ferocious hit. The two guys were trying to get out of each other's way and collided. So it wasn't a true killshot.

Cobleskill, N.Y.: Coach,

Will we use James Thrash more this year? What will his role be?

Terry Robiskie: James Thrash will probably see more playing time as the season rolls on. He's improving and becoming a better football player every day. Hopefully, we'll put him in and he can make more plays.

Winter Park, Fla.: From your recent experience, what is the first change in your mind that Ray Rhodes has incorporated in the defense?

Terry Robiskie: The No. 1 change I see is more blitz and more man-to-man.

Herndon: Hi Coach. I've read reports year in and year out that Coach Turner's playbook is as thick as a New York City phone book, and that he has never had the personnel in place to use the whole thing. It appears that this season will be his best opportunity to roll out the entire offensive attack. If this is true, can we expect to see a different, more evolved offense this coming season? And can you elaborate on how we as fans may perceive any changes in the attack?

Terry Robiskie: No, I think the offense you saw last year is our offense. We will continue to do the things we did last year with a few added wrinkles. Remember, we had the No. 2 offense in football last year. That won't change. We'll just continue to add and hopefully score points. So expect the same offense with a few different people making a few different plays.

Winchester: TE Stephen Alexander looked real hot last year for the first three or so games but just didn't have the same verve after getting spiked in the back. A lot of receivers get gun-shy after getting drilled a few times going over the middle. Do you think Steve will be able to get back into the groove this year?

Terry Robiskie: I hope. I hate to judge a guy when he misses quite a few games because of injuries. But if Stephen Alexander stays healthy for 14, 15 or 16 games, and he doesn't make the Pro Bowl, I will be one disappointed fellow. I think he's a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

Washington: Considering the fact that the Redskins top-four receivers will be free agents after this year, did the team give thought to drafting a receiver higher than round seven? perhaps Trevor Gaylor, Muneer Moore or Kwame Cavil? Why draft Ethan Howell instead of Cavil, who was extremely productive in a big-time program (Texas)? is speed that much more important than productivity in the team's evaluation of receivers?

Terry Robiskie: Well, a lot of times speed is for me. You can have a lot of productive players at the college level who cannot survive at this level because they cannot run. I can teach a fast guy how to play and make him a better catcher. I cannot teach a slow guy how to run fast. So, sometimes I do prefer a faster guy over a more productive and slower guy. The reason we didn't take a receiver with an early pick is because I believe we have five receivers who can play. To use a pick in an earlier round on a receiver would have been a waste. We needed guys at other positions to help us more this year. Forget next year. Remember, the theory is to win now at all cost.

Fredericksburg: Coach, what was the reaction on the part of the receiver corps when they learned that Jeff George was joining the squad? Who do the guys like receiving balls from in practice?

Terry Robiskie: I think the guys are very comfortable with Brad Johnson. They're very supportive of Brad, yet they were excited about Jeff George. They know that Jeff loves throwing deep balls and they love to go get it. So, there's a lot of excitement there. But they love playing with Brad.

Havre de Grace, Md.: Coach,
Thanks for chatting with us. Please tell us your opinion on Champ Bailey's debut on offense. And did any of the regular wide receivers do some teasing?

Terry Robiskie: Yes. The receivers tease him every time he steps on our side of the ball. I'm not sure if or when he will make his debut as a receiver, but I will continue to get him ready.

Dallas: I have been able to watch Ethan Howell play up at Oklahoma State - I was very impressed with his speed and how he seemed to get open - how was his minicamp?

Terry Robiskie: He showed excellent speed at minicamp. He must improve on running routes and catching the ball. But his speed is what drew the Redskins to him. That's why we drafted him. So, we'll get the rest worked out in training camp.

Porterville, Calif.: Who was the surprise of minicamp? And about Tre Johnson's suspension for the first game of the season, is it a final decision or is he appealing it?

Terry Robiskie: The decision on Tre is final. He must sit out the first game. There were no surprises in minicamp. The first two guys looked excellent. Everyone else we're still looking at and evaluating. Hopefully someone will pop up.

Potomac: My anticipation for this coming season verges on unbearable. Although, I foresee the Redskins potentially becoming a dominant team this season, one offensive weakness from last year troubles me. Under pressure the offense which normally battered and abused defenses seemed to sputter. The three loses at the Silverdome, at Raymond James, and at Dallas come to mind. Do you attribute this to Johnson's inexperience in Turner's system, or to a lack of a consistent go to playmaker at receiver. Hopefully, this year will be different, I hope we are not relying on a rookie left tackle to make the difference.

Terry Robiskie: Well, we definitely think the rookie left tackle will make a difference. If we didn't, we shouldn't have drafted him in the first round. Let me ask you: did Jevon Kearse make a difference in Tennessee this year? Rookies can play. And they can make a difference. Another game you missed was against the Colts. And I'll say this, we didn't lose those games because Brad Johnson wasn't familiar with the offense. We lost those games because our quarterback got hit in the head one time too many. And we were not able to stand up to the pressure put on our offense. Do I think a rookie left tackle can slow down that pressure? You tell me. You're a Redskin fan. Did the rookie right tackle slow down the pressure last year? A guy named Jon Jansen. So if you are a Redskin fan, tell me how many sacks did Jansen give up last year as a rookie? How many sacks did Mike Strahan have against us last year? Trust me, one rookie can make a difference.

Great Falls, Mont.: With the addition of Chris Samuels do you foresee Stephen Davis running behind him as much as he did behind Tre Johnson?

Terry Robiskie: I foresee Stephen again leading the NFC in rushing regardless of running behind the left tackle, Samuels, or the right guard, Tre Johnson. Stephen's a good player, a good runner who can run.

Alexandria: Hey Terry,
Just want to say thanks for doing this online chat... I've read every single one. Do you ever read the opposition's online chats or interviews to get secrets about their strategy?

Terry Robiskie: No, because I'm too busy trying to put together my own strategy. I am one who is seldom concerned with what the other guy's going to do. I'm too busy getting prepared with what I'm trying to do.

Porterville, Calif.: You said Albert Connell was not in his best shape yet. Is he rehabbing an injury or why is he not in his best shape? And what kind of competition did you say Michael Westbrook was in?

Terry Robiskie: Michael was in a "Superstar" competition in Jamaica in late March. And Albert is just being lazy.

Centreville, Va.: Hey coach, As my memory serves, Art Monk, Charley Taylor and Bobby Mitchell all were converted from RB to Hall of Fame WRs by the Skins (Mitchell was converted by the Browns I think). With that in mind, has any thought been given to trying to convert Skip Hicks into a slot receiver? He appears to have good hands, certainly knows what to do with the ball in the open field and doesn't appear to "fit the mold" of our current RBs. Any thoughts?

Terry Robiskie: If you think Skip Hicks can catch, or he's got good hands, then please come by to visit. I have some beachfront property in Israel I'd like to sell you. Skip Hicks would have a hard time catching a cold if he was wringing wet, standing in the snow in Minnesota in December.

Baltimore: If the maxims, "you play like you practice" and "you are only as good as your competition" are true, then do you think practicing against a secondary that includes Deion Sanders, Darrell Green, Champ Bailey and Mark Carrier will improve the passing game?

Terry Robiskie: Without a doubt. If we have those three guys to practice against every day, then without a doubt our Sundays should be easy. On no given Sunday will we be able to go against three corners of that caliber. So, yes. Working against those guys will definitely make us better.

Davidson, N.C.: Which of the undrafted free agents do you think has the best shot at making the team and making an impact?
Also what do you think about our players in the NFL Europe? Specifically Rodney Williams.

Terry Robiskie: I am not sure about the guys in the NFL Europe and I'm not sure today which free agents would have the best chance to make the team. Remember, the guys were only here for a weekend. That's a little too soon for me to judge. Thanks for writing.

Spartanburg, S.C.: Is Stephen Davis's ankle injury more serious than is being reported? It happened way back in December. Four months should be plenty of time to heal. Could this be the reason management is in no hurry to reach a contract agreement?

Terry Robiskie: I'm not sure what the thinking is on the contract agreement. I did see some limping by Stephen on that ankle. I'm not sure how severe it really is. But yes, it is a little scary. I think it will heal pretty soon. We'll just have to see.

Austin, Texas: Coach, have you and the other staff members gone back over the play selections on 1st / 2nd downs from last season to determine what trends evolved, and to help prevent any hint of predictability this season? Were there any trends, and if yes, would you care to share what they were?

Terry Robiskie: Well, over a course of 16 games you do have some trends. It's impossible to avoid. But of course we have studied the film this offseason and we will make adjustments. And of course I won't tell you about those trends. But thanks for writing.

Baltimore: Terry,
I know that you are pretty hard-nosed and don't like whiners. With your attitude on offense and Ray Rhodes' on defense, do you think the team will be one of the more physical teams in the league this year?

Terry Robiskie: Absolutely. I think Ray Rhodes and I are very similar. One thing we do have in common -- there's no place in our lives for a whiner.

Roanoke, Va.: Terry, from an offensive view, how did LaVar look in camp and want do you think he needs to work on the most?

Terry Robiskie: He looked exceptional. He's only got to learn our system. And his assignments. From a physical standpoint, he looked outstanding.

Indianapolis: Terry,
A lot has been said about Brad's expanding comfort zone in Norv's system. Realistically, what general improvements do you expect to see from Brad, now that he has a year under his belt and familiar personnel around him? (Any specific goals as well?)

Andy

Terry Robiskie: Well, the one thing we've talked about is ball protection. And we've mentioned to Brad, we've just got to do a better job at securing the ball, which means last year was just too many fumbles. We've got to correct that. And he will. Everything else should fall into place.

Silver Spring: As a longtime Redskins fan, I don't like the idea of Deion Sanders in a Redskins' uniform. According to many experts, they say you do not pass up an athlete like Deion. I see too many potential "chemistry" problems if he takes Darrell Green's corner spot, and Brian Mitchell's entire roster spot. I think Mitchell has been the heart and soul of the Redskins the past few seasons, but there doesn't seem to be a spot for him with Deion, Adrian Murrell, and Larry Centers. Is Deion worth it?

Terry Robiskie: Well, I would first have to ask you if Troy Aikman was available would you see him in a Redskins' uniform? If Barry Sanders wanted to come here, would you see him in the uniform? If Kurt Warner was free, and wanted to come, could you see him in a uniform? I think when you're trying to win and win it all you should always envision a great player on a great team helping to make your organization great and in your team uniform. Now, I'm not sure you would have envisioned Ken Griffey Jr. in a Cincinnati uniform? Or, could you envision him in a Yankee uniform? Dominant teams are always looking for dominant players. If you were a Cal Ripken fan, can you envision him in a Yankee's uniform? Jumping up and down and celebrating a win in a World Series? Of course you can because as a fan we all would love to see Cal win a World Series. We'd love it here, but if not, let's picture him in a Yankee uniform winning and helping them to win a World Series.

Alexandria: Coach--

Does the quarterback have a series of options that he checks in the same order for a particular passing play? Does he look deep, then middle, then short, or some other progression?

Terry Robiskie: It's always a progression. Some start deep and come down to short. Some start short and go deep. Some start inside and work outside. Some start outside and work inside. But there's always a progression. And I think Brad Johnson will improve his progression this year simply because it's a new year with another year under his belt.

Herndon: Coach: I hope you were able to store up some sleep during the short "off" season. What's your schedule like between minicamp and the start of fulltime practices?

Terry Robiskie: Offseason is always very, very busy. We get in about 7:00, 7:30. And we're either in a meeting, watching film, or making cut-up tapes from 7:30 to 5:00, 5:30. We'll usually give Mr. Snyder a full day's work 5 days a week. And then we're off for the weekend. So, it's been busy and it'll pick up every week and become busier. We're having fun. I promise.

Alexandria: Are there any players that you expect to be released on June 1, that you'd like to bring in? Besides Deion, of course...

Terry Robiskie: I have absolutely no idea. I have no clue who will become available and who won't. I think it is all speculation.

Washington: Coach, what do you think of Washington's sportswriters? What sports/teams other than football do you follow?

Terry Robiskie: I think the Washington area sportswriters are excellent. Like every other business, there's one or two you hate to deal with. But you have to. 90 percent of the guys here are excellent which is hard to say about other cities. I think in other cities it's the reverse. 10 percent are excellent and 90 percent you hate to deal with. I do follow the Wizards quite a bit and I follow the Capitals a little. I follow those two teams because I know the owner. I'm a basketball fan, but I'm more of a coach's fan. I don't necessarily follow basketball, but I follow coaches. I was a tremendous John Thompson fan. Coach Chaney from Temple, Coach Wilkens from Atlanta, Coach Riley from Miami. I watch coaches. I study them, and I adapt their styles to my style. So, that's what I follow.

Spokane, Wash.: Terry, Did you have any say in looking at James Thrash as a holder? I know he has the hands for it, but the position may call for someone who can throw the ball too. Does James have any quarterback background?

Terry Robiskie: I have absolutely no say. But if I did, I would say, hell no. That position must be a very smooth, athletic, calm, cool, collected person. Able to concentrate, relax and perform under maximum pressure. James is a long way from all those things I described.

Frederick: Do you believe the current depth at TE is adequate or do you anticipate some moves through free agency? If the latter is the case, does Jamie Asher figure into the Skins' plans?

Terry Robiskie: I'm not sure who will be available. Of course, if a good player becomes available, we're very interested. At the present, we're not looking at Jamie Asher. Of course, Jamie was out last year with an injured knee. I'm not sure how far along his rehab is, but today we're going with our group.

Silver Spring: Hi Terry, were you ever a player in a Super Bowl? Did you ever get to meet/play with John Matuzak? Was he as crazy as they say? Do you envision Deion Sanders in the wideout role like Dallas has often done? Thanks, Rick

Terry Robiskie: No, I never played in the Super Bowl, but I coached in one. Unfortunately, it was the one where the Raiders defeated the Redskins in Tampa, 1983. Yes, I did play with John Matuzak. John was a great guy with a big heart and a great person. Just had a lot of off-the-field problems. No, I don't envision Deion as a receiver. But if he were here and I could line up Deion, Darrell Green, Champ Bailey, Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell for one play, I might get a little excited. Thanks for the idea. Thanks for writing.

Columbia: Terry,
You mentioned you liked fast players. Now that Darrell is older, who owns the crown of the fastest Redskin?

Terry Robiskie: Darrell Green.

Atlanta: Do you ever see Murrell and Davis being in the backfield at the same time?

Terry Robiskie: Sure. They're both good players and I always see formations where good players are on the field together.

Washington: Coach, I can't help but feel from your responses that involve James Thrash, that either you are sending some clear messages/mind games, or you're just not impressed with his work ethic or just the way he wears his uniform. What gives?

Terry Robiskie: If you are the gentleman who asked earlier about James Thrash holding for field goals and extra points, let me clarify. James Thrash is the hardest working player on this team. And he's probably in the Top 10 in the league. He wears his uniform extremely well. And he carries it extremely well. I was trying to make one point, and one point only. The point is, I would hate to be standing on the sidelines, trying to kick a field goal, to win the NFC championship game and you told me James was my holder. Final point: I do not think he could be a holder for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League. I was simply speaking about his ability to be a holder on field goals and extra points. Nothing else.

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