Terry Robiskie, right, with receiver Albert Connell Reginald A. Pearman Jr. washingtopost.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, he was drafted by Oakland in 1977 and played for five seasons, three for the Raiders and two for the Dolphins.

washingtonpost.com: Welcome everyone to another season of Airing It Out with Terry Robiskie. Terry, we're glad to have you back. With kickoff less than 48 hours away, what's the mood like at Redskin Park?

Terry Robiskie: Well, I think there's a lot of excitement in the air. A lot of players walking around, tapping their fingers on the table. It's like 53 guys in the waiting room waiting for the birth of their first kid. There's excitement all in the air.

Rochester NY: Terry, I wanted to know how you felt about the decision to maintain only 4 recievers. Do you feel if Derrius Thompson was healthy he would have made the team? Has there been any discussion about putting him on the active roster once he is healthy? Thanks for taking your time to interact and Go Skins!!!

Terry Robiskie: Yes. That is the plan. As soon as Derrius becomes healthy we will get him on the active roster. We did not believe in our fifth receiver. We did not feel a fifth guy was worthy of making the ball club. So that's why we only kept four.

Blacksburg, VA: It was mentioned in a recent article that 4 recievers were kept on the final roster because D. Sanders and C. Bailey provide extra depth in case of injury. If there were substantial injuries to the recieving corp this season, which of the two cornerbacks would you prefer to use first as a receiver and why?

Terry Robiskie: No. That was not the thinking. We only kept four because we only believe in four. However, it is a bonus having those two guys on your roster. If I was given an opportunity to use one, I would use Deion first simply because Deion played wide receiver in Dallas and he is more familiar with our passing game.

Anchorage Alaska: Just how much futher along are Westbrook and Albert than last year? Has practicing against Deion made them better players mentally? Can we expect Westbrook to become the dominant receiver that Irvin was? Hey man, take care of yourself and know that you have fans all the way up here where the Eskimos live.

Terry Robiskie: Thanks a million. One day I may come out and visit with the Eskimos. I've heard about them, but I've never met them. Thanks for watching. Michael and Albert are working extremely hard. With the addition of Deion Sanders, both guys are becoming better players. I'm a little afraid that each week they may take their opponents for granted. After working every day against Deion they may think all the other guys are a lesser challenge. I must do my job and keep them prepared each week. Michael Westbrook can become as dominant as Michael Irvin if he desires to.

Chevy Chase, Maryland: Carolina just signed veteran safety Eugene Robinson, who is the active interception leader in the NFL and has been to 3 Super Bowls. Does this change the Skins' plans of attack for the passing game, especially long down the field, or do you just attack him like any other player?

Terry Robiskie: Well, I think we will adjust one or two things but not the total package. Eugene is like a coach on the field and he will be a bonus for their secondary. We will of course put him to the test. We must find out if he's ready.

Dayton, Ohio: What aspect of Carolina's game could cause the most disruption to the Redskins' game plan? Their defensive line is pretty formidible, and our offensive line is quite different from last year for this opening game. What kind of adjustments were made to accomodate the different players?

Terry Robiskie: Well, I think we're looking to help across the board. Last year we were more concerned with Sean Gilbert. This year we're concerned with all four guys. The one position that obviously can cause havoc is their left defensive end, Reggie White. So of course that's the position we're looking to help more.

Bethesda: Hi Terry,
What percent of the offense we'll see during the regular season did you show during the preseason games? I'm guessing next to none and that Sunday will look nothing like what we've been watching to this point. Thanks.

Terry Robiskie: During the preseason we used about 30 percent of our offense. Starting Sunday you will see about 5 percent of that 30 percent. We will now begin to expand and bring out the other 70 percent. So this Sunday you should see a whole new package. It's not our entire playbook but it's about 80 percent.

Dallas, TX: Carolina seems to have some weakness at LB and FS. Do you expect Stephen Alexander to have a big day?

Terry Robiskie: I told Stephen Alexander I'm expecting him to go wild. I'm expecting him to come out with a bang the first game at home: Stephen versus a rookie middle linebacker and a strong safety playing that position for the first time. I'm looking forward to that match-up. May the best man win.

Pahrump, Nevada: Coach, How effective do you expect your reshuffled offensive line to be against Carolina's revamped front seven?

Terry Robiskie: I expect our O-line to hold its own. They're going against a good solid defensive front. Of course, we are no slouches ourselves. So I think we will battle their guys pretty good.

Williamsport, MD: Is there anyone else besides Centers that can/will take up the slack produced by releasing Mitchell when it comes to third down packages in the backfield? Will Dukes be used too in that role? What about Flemister in an H-back position? I don't see Hicks as a viable option simply because his catching abilities leaves a lot to be desired. Do you agree?

Terry Robiskie: No. If you remember, we signed a guy named Adrian Murrell. If you have noticed during the preseason, he was pretty good in that role. We could also, if we had to, use a guy named Stephen Davis. If it came down to it, we'd have to let him go. This lets Stephen be our third down guy.

DC: Coach Robiskie-
I'm a big James Thrash fan. I've watched him at practice and in preseason games and he seems to me to be getting better and better. Do you plan to give him an enhanced role this year? I'd love to get your thoughts on his ability and progress. Thanks for doing such a great show.

Terry Robiskie: Thank you for writing and thank you for watching the Redskins. James Thrash is improving dramatically each and every day. I, too, am a James Thrash fan. I always kid my other receivers by telling them I sometimes wish I had five James Thrashes. Well, anyway, my other receivers they think I'm kidding. I won't tell them any different. James Thrash will have an increased role and he will make a lot of plays to help us this year. He is a receiver coming into his own.

Lawrence, KS: Albert Connell performed outstanding last season. What are the areas of his game you have seen continued improvement in over the offseason and training camp?

Terry Robiskie: His offseason training improved. Albert also spent a lot of time this summer working on little things in his game, his releases versus press coverage or bump and run, man to man. It's getting better and better every day.

Key West Fla.: Hi Terry. Thanks for your time. I was wondering if M. Westbrook ever utilizes his martial arts expertise in his swims off the line and in his RAC's. Often after he catches the ball he seems to be the aggreessor more than the defender, especially with those wicked stiff arm pops to the chest. If so can he teach it to the other guys? I ask because at times his technique seems not only electrifying but revolutionary, beyond even what W. Payton used to do.

Terry Robiskie: I'm not sure about Michael Westbrook's martial arts studies. If he's studying it in the classroom, I would hope he would leave it in the classroom. I must agree with you, his strength, his stiff arm and his power is a lot like Walter Payton. I enjoy watching Mike use all of his natural God-given talent, but I do hope he leaves the martial arts in the classroom. Thanks for writing.

Bethesda, MD: I have been reading a lot about how bad the Carolina secondary is. Are they really that bad? Should we be expecting a big day from Connell, Westbrook and Johnson?

Terry Robiskie: The secondary is not that bad. I am not sure what newspaper you're reading. They are a very experienced group. The addition of Jimmy Hitchcock from Minnesota is another plus. So they are a very knowledgable group with a lot of experience and we must be prepared and we must do our job and work hard to get it done.

Mechanicsville, Virginia: What are the names of some of the pass plays that are called in the huddle? With these plays, are certain receivers the first option, second option etc, or is it solely based on the read of the defense by the quarterback that determines who the ball is thrown to? If in your preparations during the week, you identify a weakness in the defense that you want to exploit or attack, how do you develop pass plays for that situation with your prefered player attacking that weakness?

Terry Robiskie: The name of a pass play with the formation and the pass protection: queen right rip 999. In every pass pattern there's a first, a second and a third receiver and like you said, the coverage dictates who gets the ball. We prepare a play for a coverage. If we get the coverage we expect, the ball goes to the receiver we expect. If we get a different coverage, then the ball goes to the second or the third receiver.

Annapolis, MD: Terry, you had such high hopes for Derrius Thompson making the team this year. What was it that got him cut and sent to the practice squad again?

Terry Robiskie: Derrius Thompson had a very average preseason. I did not see enough fight in his game to give him the fifth position on our football team. I am not sure if he was healthy, that he could have made this football team. I hate the theory of giving a guy a job by default. By default meaning there's no one else available. For me, you must earn your job. So we placed him on the practice squad to continue the growing process. Hopefully, with another year of learning and training, he will become tougher, more physical and a better football player.

Coldwater, MS: While our defense and offense look formidable, I still have lingering doubts about our special teams. Are there any major concerns heading into the Carolina game concerning this matter? Also, do you feel using Deion on punt returns is worth the gamble?

Terry Robiskie: What's the gamble? Deion on punt return is probably the most dangerous weapon we have. Why is that a gamble? Whenever you're kicking off, or punting, and the opposing team has a Deion Sanders, there's a concern. Are we concerned when we're covering kickoffs? Absolutely, but not as much as Carolina should be when they are punting.

Sausalito, CA: Who are the most ferocious players on special teams? I want to know who I should look for on kickoffs and punts.

Terry Robiskie: On our special teams we have a lot of guys who are hungry. Who want to play. Who want to make plays. James Thrash is one of our better players. Eddie Mason is one of our better players. Mike Sellers is one of our better players. And there are a lot of guys who will make plays. LaVar Arrington will be a tremendous player. So just take a seat and watch them all.

Salisbury, Md: What were your impressions of Ray Rhodes as an opposing defensive coach in previous years? Now, having worked with him, can you provide any further insights about his schemes and defensive philosophies? He has been very quiet.

Terry Robiskie: Ray Rhodes is a brilliant defensive-minded football coach. I felt that in all my years of going against Ray. And I know that from the past few months of working against him, he's outstanding.

Va: Do you think that LaVar Arrington will live up to everyone's expectations? Are everyone's expectations a little too high a little too early?

Terry Robiskie: I think if everyone is expecting LaVar to be Lawrence Taylor, or better, we're expecting too much. Do I think LaVar Arrington is capable of playing in 8, 9 or 10 Pro Bowls? Absolutely.

Lexington, VA: With Irving Fryar being in his second year, do you think he is comfortable enough with the system and will receive more playing time this year?

Terry Robiskie: Yes. I think Irving is very comfortable this year with the system. He's an outstanding player and a much better person. We will do all we can to get Irving as many opportunities as possible.

Klamath Falls, OR: Any chance of seeing Reggie White lining up across from Samuels? If so, how do you feel about that match-up?

Terry Robiskie: I have not seen anything on film which would indicate that Reggie will line up against Chris. Let's think for one minute: Reggie White is the number 1 sack leader in all of football. Something like 200 sacks. Bruce Smith is second only to Reggie with approximately 190 sacks. Chris has spent the past month working against Bruce. What is there to fear? Is there a big difference between blocking the number 2 sack leader or the number 1 sack leader? I don't think so. Chris will handle himself for most of the year. Don't worry about Chris. He's the real deal.

Fredericksburg Va: What's your take on all the criticism of Daniel Snyder's "trying to buy the championship"?
Thanks for you time!

Terry Robiskie: If Dan Snyder is successful in "buying the championship" I will plant the biggest kiss possible on his right cheek. That tells you what I think of that criticism. Remember, every year George Steinbrenner is criticized and the Yankees just continue to win pennants.

Richmond, VA: How would you compare Brad Johnson's command of the offense as compared to last year at this time? Can we expect to see more variety in the play calling this year?

Terry Robiskie: Brad's command is much, much more noticeable. He's much, much smoother. Everything is so much easier. Expect to see all the old wrinkles, but expect to see a ton of new wrinkles.

Durham, North Carolina: If this is the same offense that Dallas won their first two titles of the 90's with...Where is the "quick slant" that they always used to get that key first down...The Redskins don't run that play nearly as many times as Dallas did win they were winning divisions and championships....There's no way that Michael Westbrook shouldn't have a chance to run that play at least five times a game....

Terry Robiskie: We have the play and we use it often. Last year first and ten at the minus 20 in Philadelphia, against Philadelphia we hit Mike on a slant route. Mike broke the tackle and ran the ball out to mid-field. The very next play we threw Mike a deep flag for a touchdown. In two plays we had gone 80 yards for a touchdown. The first play being the slant route that you asked about. So we do have it, and we do use it. Just not as often as Dallas.

Woodland Hills, CA: Does Brad Johnson always have the option of changing plays at the line of scrimmage to take advantage of a particular defense or is he bound by the game plan? Thanks for Airing It Out and good luck Sunday.

Terry Robiskie: 90 percent of the time he's bound by the game plan. We believe in what we call and what we do. We believe if we're all on the same page it will work.

Silver Spring, MD: Coach, with such a veteran group this year, what do you tell them during the pre-game?

Terry Robiskie: You tell them go out and play the way we're capable. Never take your opponent for granted.

Charlotte, NC: Hello Coach, When the Skins drafted Michael Westbrook they had visions of "Michael Irvin with speed"; a guy that is featured in the offense with at least 10 passes per game. Is there reason why now after several seasons Westbrook isn't featured in a like manner? Plus, with Westbrook,we've seen that he needs to get fed the ball early or he may lose concentration throughout the rest of the game. What can be done about that or is Westbrook just not able to do the things that were envisioned when drafted. Thanks in advance for a candid reply.

Terry Robiskie: We did envision Westbrook being Michael Irvin. And I think he's capable. Like you said, he's a guy who we must feed it to early to get him going, and I think this year we will. We never put together a game plan that says these 10 passes must go to this guy or that guy.

Weatherly, Pennsylvania: Coach,
How concerned are you about not having Tre Johnson and Cory Raymer for the Carolina game? The Panther's defensive line is solid, and without good O-line play, the Redskins' backs and receivers won't be able to do their jobs. Thanks for joining us, and good luck on Sunday.

Terry Robiskie: I am extremely concerned any time you lose two starters on either side of the ball. You had better have great backups. I'm very concerned and I hope they hurry back. And I hope we can get through this game without Tre and the first four or five without Cory.

Columbus, Ohio: Will the absence of Sellers significantly change our blocking scheme?

Terry Robiskie: No. I think we will continue to do the things we do just using different people in different spots and different positions. Larry Centers is a very capable blocker, and James Jenkins is an outstanding blocker. So we should be okay with that part of it.

Fairfax, Va: Hey Coach,
First of all thanks for signing my hemet at training camp...Yours was a signature I was very happy to get....My question is how hard was it to release Marcus Stiggers? Very rarely have I seen a rookie play with sooo much heart...Do you think he will be picked up by another team? See you in Tampa.

Terry Robiskie: Marcus Stiggers came in and worked extremely hard, but unfortunately, we can't keep them all. It hurts any time you have to let a guy go, but I understand it's a part of the process. I'm not sure if he will get claimed, but I wish him the best.

Forestville Maryland: Hello T-Ro. I would like to know out of all the high-caliber teams we face this year, what team in your opinion will cause the most problems for your receivers?

Terry Robiskie: At this point in time, Carolina. I never look ahead and I seldom look back and I try to convey that to my players. Only see in front of you.

Richmond VA: How does the team feel about all the publicity it's getting, especially all the attacks directed at Mr. Snyder? Do you ignore it, or do you use it as motivation?

Terry Robiskie: We ignore it. The publicity is wonderful and it's exciting, but as a whole we ignore most of it.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Coach, I figure after this year you will most likely be given a shot to coach a team of your own. I know this is the last thing on your mind, but I feel you are well-deserved. I mean, after the Redskins win the Super Bowl this year, you are bound to get an offer or two. I wish you the best even after you're not a Redskin. Just don't take the Giants job.

Terry Robiskie: Well, I hope you are some type of a fortune teller, or someone who can see the future. I hope you are a person who can see things and they come true. Like you said, the only thing that's important today is beating Carolina and having a great, great season. If all the others happen, it would be wonderful. Hey, by the way, are you, or someone you know, getting ready to buy an NFL team? Call me, please. Thanks a lot. I'll take it as a compliment. I appreciate your thoughts.

washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have. Thanks for joining us and see you next Friday at 3 for another edition of Airing It Out with Terry Robiskie.