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 and thanks to Terry for joining us. Let's get right to it.

DC: Terry,
I realize the investment in Deion guarantees him a starting job, but will Darrell be given an opportunity to compete with Champ at the other corner? Clearly Champ's the future, but I have to think Darrell's the better coverage corner right now.

Terry Robiskie: Well, I think all those would be questions for the head coach and the defensive coordinator. That's on the other side of the ball. So I'm not involved in that decision- making process but trust me it will all work itself out.

Weatherly, Pennsylvania: Coach,
In this era of free agency, it isn't uncommon for long-time archrivals to be on your team. Case in point: Deion Sanders. Does that have any effect on the team? I mean, do any Redskins carry hard feelings towards these guys? I am especially thinking of Albert Connell's relationship with Sanders after last season's encounter in Dallas. I suppose that hard feelings can be forgotten when you're winning football games, but I am just curious. Thanks for your time, and have a good day.

Terry Robiskie: Well, your last line hit the nail on the head: When you're winning, nothing else matters and when we're winning, I'm sure all else will be forgotten.

Bethesda: Coach,
Your thoughts on Brian Mitchell's release? On seeing him twice a year?

Terry Robiskie: I'm happy for Brian that he was able to land on his feet. I'm not surprised, but I'm happy. I think when a guy gets cut like Brian Mitchell people simply assume he can no longer play. No one here said he cannot play, we simply said the Redskins were going in another direction. I'm happy for Brian and I wish him well. I'm sure he will be a good addition for the Eagles. Hopefully, he won't get free in either of our two games. Of course we will have to play him very tough and very hard because he's a tough player.

Newark, DE: Now that Snyder is charging admissions to practice, scouts from other teams can attend practice and check the 'Skins out. When this was brought to Turner's attention he remarked that nothing significant would take place until practices were closed to the public. What are you thoughts on this issue?

Terry Robiskie: We're very aware of the doors that are open and we know there will be a lot of scouts from other teams in attendance. However, we must go about business as usual.

Piedmont, South Carolina: Coach, just one quick question: How will your long yardage and hurry-up offense differ now that Brian Mitchell is gone? Who do you see assuming that role of third-down back? John

Terry Robiskie: I think it's an open competition. It should be a battle between Larry Centers, Adrian Murrell and perhaps Stephen Davis. One of those guys will become the third-down back and whichever one succeeds I'm sure will do a good job.

Peter in Alexandria: How is A. Connell's work ethic coming along this offseason? Do you think he could ever compare to a Gary Clark if he truly applied himself?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, I think he could be a Gary Clark, very slippery and hard to handle. But after only one season I better not rate him so high so fast. He sometimes follows my online chats. So I'd better not say too many good things about him. As for his offseason work habits, he's having one of his best offseasons. He started off slow but he's picked it up tremendously in the last couple of days. One last thing, we should all remember, including Albert, that he's performing this season for the big bucks next season. It's not important what he did last season.

Seaford, New York: Terry, it seems to me Michael Westbrook catches the majority of his passes outside the hash marks. Since he is so big and so physical, why don't we see him running more crossing routes in the five to seven yard range a la Michael Irvin?

Terry Robiskie: I'm not sure we're watching the same Michael Westbrook. The number one pass on my cutup tapes when I grade Michael is the 18 yard in. We call that a four route. Again, he goes 18 yards deep and runs a square in. So how you see him catching most of his balls outside the hash I am not sure.

Evanston, IL: Just how badly would you like to see Westbrook, Connell, Bailey, and Sanders lined up together on 3rd and 15?

Terry Robiskie: That would be exciting for one or two plays and of course it would be exciting for the fans. I'm not sure we could do it consistently, play consistent and win games but for one play if everybody takes off and goes, I would love it.

Jersey City, NJ: Terry -- have Arrington and Samuels been as fast as promised, both on the field and in timed 40's? And were the handful of players timed under 4.34 in the 40 genuine (it seems like the measurement must have been short or the hand-timing generous, or else we have three of the fastest receivers in the NFL). Thanks, and keep up the good work, on the field and online.

Terry Robiskie: Yes, all the times reported were legitimate and I'm excited not only about the speed of the receivers but the speed of the entire team. Yes, we did run fast and believe me we do have an extremely fast football team. In the NFL I learned at a very early age from a young fellow named Cliff Branch that speed kills. We have speed and we're out to kill.

Annapolis,MD: How will the addition of Smith, Arrington, Carrier, and Sanders make the run defense better?

Terry Robiskie: Because nobody can throw. With that group you just named, they won't be able to throw the ball. The coverage will be too good and of course the past rush will be too great. So everyone will have to run the ball more and with that it should increase the run defense. I would hope the more we see it, the better we'll get against the run.

Atlanta, GA: James Thrash made several big return plays last season. Will Deion's presence redefine his role? Will James play a greater role as a receiver this season?

Terry Robiskie: I would think the Brian Mitchell departure will do more to define James Thrash's return role. At this time James is performing extremely well so hopefully during the season he will continue to improve and his role will increase each week.

Brooklyn: Coach, You didn't mention Skip Hicks as a possible third down back. Is he on the outs?

Terry Robiskie: No, absolutely not. Skip is not on the outs. I'm just not sure he's ready for all the mental that comes along with third downs.

Mt. Washington, MD: Coach...how do you compare the running styles of Adrian Murrell and Stephen Davis?

Terry Robiskie: Stephen is bigger, faster and more powerful. Adrian is more elusive, more of a dancer and a dodger.

Riggs Park, DC: With so many people picking the Redskins to win it all this year, how difficult has it been to keep the team focused on the fact that championships are not won in the paper?

Terry Robiskie: It's been OK. The number one statement everyone is making around here is no championship is won on paper.

La Jolla, Ca: With all of this new-found talent, what are your concerns when it comes to chemistry?

Terry Robiskie: Today I have none. I'm ready to go. Line up, blow the whistle, let's kick off. Who's concerned? Let's go play.

Bethesda, MD: Terry, Congrats on an incredible off season. Why do you think the Redskins passed on Ben Coates? I thought he would be a great addition to the team and a real insurance policy in case Alexander gets hurt again. Also, a two tight end set could be a great addition to an already dangerous offense. Just look at what Indianapolis was able to do last season.

Terry Robiskie: At the time that we worked Ben out he was not in any shape to play football. And the feeling was he might be too far gone to get it back so we passed.

Centreville, VA: Thanks for taking my question...I always enjoy your straight answers concerning the team.
Straight question: how good is Joey Galloway in your book? Is he an especially tricky receiver to cover? I wonder how much of an impact he could make against your team (not that I'm worried, of course).

Terry Robiskie: I think Joey is a very good receiver. I think he still is very young and still learning. He's not in the upper echelon of receivers but he's a good player. Do I fear him more than say, Michael Irvin? Absolutely not.

Cromwell, CT: Terry,
Isn't it strange that Stephen Davis still isn't 100% healed after his "high ankle sprain"? Do the coaches think he'll be ready to go or is the problem much more serious?

Terry Robiskie: I am not sure. It is a little scary to see Stephen still limping and yes, it is strange. But of course, we are hoping that he will be ready very soon.

Laurel, MD: Coach...have you noticed any difference in Brad Johnson's performance recently now that he has had a full year to become comfortable with the offense? How long do you think it takes a quarterback to become fully comfortable with a complex offense like the one the Redskins use?

Terry Robiskie: I think it depends on the experience of the quarterback. A rookie may take three to four years. A veteran may take a lot less. And obviously we can see Brad is a lot more comfortable this year than he was last year. He's moving around and doing things very easily. It depends on the experience of the quarterback and in some cases his talent. Let's look at Peyton Manning. It took him two years compared to Ryan Leaf who it took two years to show how immature he is. I guess like kids some mature faster than others.

Jeri in DC: Terry, how do you think our current corners compare to the great Raider DB's Lester Hayes and Mike Haynes?

Terry Robiskie: I think our guys here are different types but in the same category when it comes to being good. The Raiders' DBs were big, strong and physical. The guys here are smaller and faster.

Laurel, MD: Back in the 80s, the team --wisely in my view-- used Darrell Green as a kick returner only in critical situations. Considering Deion's age, would it be better to use him as a regular return guy or just occasionally to keep him healthy?

Terry Robiskie: I think the plan is to use Deion as a substitute guy on returns. I'm not sure he will be used as a regular. So we do plan to save him.

Alexandria, VA: How does Jeff George look? And more importantly, how does a guy like George get used to throwing to the starting WRs if he's always with the 2nd team? Keep up the good work coach - and let's give Irving Fryar more TD routes!

Terry Robiskie: You must be Jeff George. He asks the same question every day. How am I supposed to get used to the starting receivers if I never throw with them? My answer is that if you want to throw and they want to catch, you guys come out about 10:00 at night on your own time and turn on the lights on your car and play catch. I think from the first game September 3rd vs. Carolina, Brad Johnson will be throwing to the starting receivers. That's the guy they've got to work with.

Arlington, VA: Terry, I love your honesty and candor. Tell me this: How long do you think it will take for the defense to gell? It sounds like your offense consistently whipped the defense in minicamps.

Terry Robiskie: I think after a few games during the preseason the defense will be OK. As for us whipping the defense, I'm not sure we were whipping them. We are gelling a little more than the defense right now but we should, we've been together longer. Those guys have a veteran group and they should be OK very early.

Newport News Va: Coach, In your previous chats you have expressed your feelings on the development of Derrius Thompson. I am very excited about his future. How has he been doing in quarterback school and minicamp? Do you think he has the potential to be a starter down the road here in Washington?

Terry Robiskie: I hope so but I'm not sure. The last couple of days I think he's hit a brick wall per se. His performance is down so my temperature is up. But he's still working and hopefully by training camp he will get back on track.

Milwaukee, WI: Hi Terry,
You never take my questions, but I'm undeterred. Special bonus or otherwise, don't you think it's a slap in the face to move Darrell Green to 2nd string without even letting him compete with Champ and Deion for the starting job? And who's calling the shots on that one anyway? Snyder, right?

Terry Robiskie: First of all, I seldom come across questions I don't take. I generally refuse dumb statements so if you've made a few of those, no, I haven't taken any of them. But I will take this one as it's not a dumb question. Of course the football staff and the organization sat and discussed bringing Deion Sanders to the Redskins. We decided he would make us a better football team so we did it. As for him and Darrell Green, we sat with Darrell Green and discussed with him what may or may not happen if we sign Deion. Darrell Green felt Deion would be a great asset and we should bring him in so we did. We think we will face enough teams with three wide receivers on the field that both guys will end up starting most of the games, so it's not a matter of Darrell competing with Deion, it's the Carolina game when we open the season. It's Deion, Darrell and Champ Bailey against Carolina's three wide receivers, five guys going out for passes. No running backs in the backfield coming here trying to score 21 points in the first quarter, like last year and us fighting for our lives. So the competition isn't Darrell and Deion, it's Darrell, Deion and Champ Bailey against Michael Irvin, Joey Galloway and Rocket Ismail. That's why Deion is here. Please write again with any intelligent question.

La Jolla, Ca: Are there any chances of the Redskins approaching Sean Dawkins?

Terry Robiskie: Absolutely not.

Hampton Va: Coach, how did the players react to the departure of B Mitch? Many people believe he was let go so we would have the money for Deion. Did any of the players have any hard feelings in the fact that Mitch was being let go for Deion? Thanks coach best of luck!

Terry Robiskie: I think as a person, as a great guy, and as a friend a lot of guys were disappointed. As a player, as a teammate and as a part of this business everyone understood.

Jamison, Pa: Hi coach, do you see the training camp move to Ashburn being a positive move as far as the players are concerned? Do you see the possibility for more distractions that may not be there if you were in Frostburg?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, I agree with you. There will be a lot more distractions. But if we go about our business as men and not boys the distractions should become minor.

Camp Hill, PA: Coach - With the addition of Deion will Norv now use Champ for a few plays at WR? Also, the media has reported that Champ runs good routes. Is this true? Good luck this season and thanks for taking our questions.

Terry Robiskie: The media reported exactly what I asked them to. That report with me begging to get him on my side of the ball for a few plays but I'm not sure I can get it done. Champ is an excellent talent and a very exciting guy but I'm not sure I can get him on my side.

Manhattan: Coach,

I think you'd look great in Deion's burgundy and gold suit. Do you have anything like that in your closet?

Terry Robiskie: I think I would look excellent. I could probably show him up if I had his suit on. It might not fit as well, but I'm sure I'd look a little bit better. When I saw him in the suit, my thoughts were that's more of a older gentleman's suit so I know I would look better in that burgundy and gold. Thank you.

Roanoke Virginia: Coach, Thanks for the straight talk. Can't wait for your chats. What is your take on the thought that we're mortgaging the future to pay for a single Super Bowl? Does the coaching staff participate in the discussion on how the spending this year will impact teams in the following years? From your seat, are we going to be another San Francisco in a few years? Thanks.

Terry Robiskie: I am not sure. But I am truly of the belief that any person that goes out to get a diamond ring for his girlfriend, for his sister, for his mother or for himself must pay for it. If it's a big enough diamond, you might have to mortgage the house. I want a diamond. If we are mortgaging the house so be it and I will let three years down the road take care of three years down the road.

Atlanta, Ga: How would you try to attack the Skins secondary? You'd certainly have to enjoy a challenge.

Terry Robiskie: I would answer that question but you might be from the Carolina Panthers so I cannot divulge that information. It would be very challenging, but I think it would be fun.

Westfield, MA: There were times last year when the offense struggled when Stephen Davis was either not getting many touches or was injured. In your opinion can the Redskins have a successful year if they don't get Stephen Davis signed? Is there any news on the status of his deal?

Terry Robiskie: I think we would make it hard on ourselves if we did not sign Stephen Davis but I do remember one year when the Redskins refused to sign John Riggins, and that worked out. We would make it very difficult on ourselves to play without Stephen and I hope we don't, but you must go out and play. In short, yes, we can win without Stephen, I just don't want to try.

Seymour, CT: Hi coach, welcome back. One quick question, how is Chris Samuels coming along with his injury?

Terry Robiskie: His injury is getting better, he's about 90 percent. He's moving around very quick, looks very agile and having fun. I hope he's at 100 percent soon. He should be a good one for years to come.

Wolcott, New York: With having only one experienced backup at wideout (Irving Fryar) are there concerns around the team on the lack of depth at the position?

Terry Robiskie: Well, what do you consider James Thrash, a rookie? I think we've got enough depth. I personally think we're five deep at the position. How much depth do you need?

Wash., D.C.: Hi Coach,

Am I just imagining it or is Michael Irvin's use of his hands (creating space?) more obvious because he is a big receiver, very skilled (sneaky), he is given the benefit of the doubt (by refs) because of his rep or something else? Whatever it is, can we use it (teach it)? Thanks

Terry Robiskie: Michael is the best at using his hands. That's his greatest asset when it comes to getting separation. What do you mean can we teach it? We already do--we're just not as good and we never get away with as much hand usage as Michael. The refs are like me, they are so in awe of Michael that they get caught watching and will miss a few plays.

Milwaukee, WI: Terry,

Thanks for taking my question. You made my day.

Terry Robiskie: Anytime, again as long as it's intelligent. Coming from Milwaukee, are you not a Packer fan? Shouldn't you be more concerned about Leroy Butler than Darrell Green? No, just kidding, thanks for writing.

washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have. Stay tuned for another edition of Airing It Out. Thanks and see you then.