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

Terry Robiskie, the Redskins' passing game coordinator, discussing the team's victory over Carolina and its next opponent, the Detroit Lions, said the players are focused and won't be distracted by the suspension of Mark Carrier.

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 to another edition of Airing It Out with Terry Robiskie. Let's get right to it.

Weatherly, Pennsylvania: Coach,
Congratulations on Sunday's victory. I realize that a win is a win in the NFL, and that you'll take them any way you can. Still, I was a bit surprised that the offense didn't light up the scoreboard more against the Panthers--especially after that near perfect opening drive. It seemed like we didn't take too many shots downfield, and were content to dump the ball off to Larry Centers. Was Carolina's secondary playing a two-deep zone in order to take away the deep routes? Do you anticipate that look from other opponents throughout the season? Thanks for joining us, and good luck against the Lions on Sunday.

Terry Robiskie: Well, like you said, Carolina was playing a very, very soft and deep zone. After lighting up the scoreboard last year, against them, they decided we were not going to get the deep ball this year. I think last year a few games we scored and so a lot of fans are expecting that this season. Remember this is the NFL, and it is very difficult to continue scoring 40 every week. Like you said, a win is a win. I hope this week in Detroit we win by 1, 7 to 6, not 40 and 41.

Lanham, MD: Hello Terry,
You are doing a nice job with the team, keep it up.
Question: I've talked with a number of fans about the team, and there is one area of your game plan that was very effective last year for the first 6-7 games: You used to air the ball out a few times per game. You did not do it that much in your last 9 games last year including the playoffs. You did not do it much in the pre-season. And you did not air it out at all in your game on Sunday. Can Brad still throw the long ball? Or is there a new game approach?
Thank you for you response.

Terry Robiskie: Absolutely. Brad can still throw it deep. However, just like you noticed, we aired it out a lot early last season. The opposing defenses noticed the same thing, and for that reason they have decided this year to play more two deep zone and more four across zone. Four across is 4 DB's playing deep about 15 yards off the receiver. It's a little difficult to get the deep ball versus that look.

Camp Hill, PA : Coach - Great win against Carolina!! I appreciated A.C.'s ferocious blocks against the Panthers. It was even better that his crackback on Woodall came after he made a couple mistakes. I think his maturity showed. Do you think he has matured considerably from last year?? I predict a blowout against Detroit!!! Hail to the Redskins!!!!!

Terry Robiskie: Well, I'm not sure about a blowout versus Detroit. The Silverdome is a very difficult place to play. The Lions are very good at home. Yes, Albert is maturing more and more every day. And a part of his game is to block for Stephen Davis whenever he's struggling in the passing game. Albert is an outstanding blocker.

Suitland, MD: Your thoughts on the Carrier one-game suspension? I was at the game on Sunday and have seen the play numerous times on videotape. I can't believe it warrants a suspension. It did not even result in a penalty flag, and the zebras were-flag happy that day.

Terry Robiskie: I thought the play was very clean and very legal. Like you said, it did not warrant a penalty flag. I guess the problem for Carrier is his reputation. Any other player would not have received a fine. But it's Mark Carrier, so the decision was made. Let me add – a bad decision.

Cary, NC: Coach,
Greetings from a longtime Skins fan deep in Panthers country. Great win on Sunday, but, like last year, it seems special teams is a concern. It cost us some games last year, and with Desmond Howard as the Lions' return man, what was done this week to improve special teams, especially the kickoff team? Thanks, and good luck on Sunday and the rest of the season.

Terry Robiskie: Well, the special team area is a little bit out of my area. I'm not in any of those meetings, so it's difficult to say what went on. But I'm like you. I am concerned and whatever happened, I hope we get it corrected.

Capitol Hill, DC: Coach: Glad you got the win. My question is...What did you say to AC after he was called for holding? I thought you would be chewing him out, but the TV guys were saying you were trying to calm him down. It must have worked since he really knocked some people around during blocking on subsequent plays. If you use Champ on offense, won't the opposing team know that it is a wide receiver screen since that is the only play, according to coach Turner, that he has practiced; not withstanding the news story today of a "bomb" in practice.

Terry Robiskie: We made the statement that was the only play he practiced on purpose. We told it to the press so everyone would believe that's the only play he's practicing. I promise you, if he's in the game, he's practicing more plays than the wide receiver screen. As for Albert's blocking, the only thing I said to him was to get his hands inside of the DB. Albert's in a very difficult position because the block you must hold for a long time before the ball carrier gets there.

Langley,VA: Terry-
If one of your receivers took a hit identical to the one Carrier put on Walls, would you be calling for a suspension and/or fine? What exactly is the rule regarding helmet-to-helmet hits? Is all helmet-to-helmet contact prohibited or does there have to be a showing that the defender was trying to injure the receiver? Thanks.

Terry Robiskie: I think all helmet-to-helmet contact is illegal if it's Mark Carrier's helmet. I think the suspension is ludicrous.

Washington, D.C.: How serious are Michael Westbrook's and James Thrash's injuries? Is it likely that Derrius Thompson will be activated for this week's game or that Champ Bailey will get in on a few plays?

Terry Robiskie: We are still waiting to see if Mike and James will be able to go. We are discussing Derrius Thompson. If one or two guys are unable to go, we will then activate Derrius for the game.

Fairfax, VA: Hey, if the opposing team wants to take away the deep ball by letting Brad connect for 5-6 yards underneath every time, who is going to complain?
I'll be perfectly happy with you moving the ball down field, just like that first drive last Sunday, for the rest of the season. I'll take a 12-4 season without a pass over 30 yards anytime.

Terry Robiskie: Thank you. I agree with you, and I hope your name is Dan Snyder.

Scottsdale,AZ: How much heat is LeCharls McDaniel, special teams coach, feeling right now?

Terry Robiskie: I am not in Coach McDaniel's shoes, so it's real difficult for me to say how much heat he's feeling, if any at all. I will say this, we've only played one game and I think we won that game. So if he's starting to feel the heat already, God bless him. I hope not.

Woodland Hills, CA: I remember last year's loss at Detroit and all the penalties against the Redskins. Did the noise cause many of those penalties and what can be done to prevent the same thing happening again?

Terry Robiskie: We will try as hard as we can to eliminate those penalties. Detroit is a very difficult place to play. It is very loud and deafening. And that's the reason people have a lot of penalties in that stadium. We will try to get it done.

DC: Can you expand on the significance of Mark Carrier's absence in terms of him being an ex Lion. Would he be able to recognize things, tangibles and intangibles and line up our DBs?

Terry Robiskie: The loss of Mark Carrier is incredible. Like you said, he came here from the Lions. Of course, he would recognize their plays before they develop. To lose him is an incredible loss. I think it's like losing the quarterback on offense. It's a very big loss, but I think it's one we will overcome.

St. Louis, MO: I am a stranded 'Skins fan, and I honestly got scared watching the Rams last Monday. What do you think of their offense and our ability to match up with them defensively? Can we equal their offensive output in a shootout?

Terry Robiskie: What are you scared of? You don't have to cover them. We do. Now, the offense looks incredible. But I think when we come to town it should be fun. Of course last year they had the No. 1 offense in football and we had the No. 2 offense. So hopefully, by the time we reach that Monday night game, it will be No. 1 offense against No. 2 offense. We love being No. 1. It should be fun and we'll see.

Centreville: Hey Coach,
Great win on Sunday. We definitely appreciate it. Over the past 3 years it is an all to familiar sight with AC dropping passes. He makes the tremendous grabs, but will also drop passes that hit him in the chest. Professional athletes get paid well to do their job, and catching those types of passes are part of that job. My question is, how forgiving are you for dropped passes, espcially the ones that hit the receiver between the numbers?

Terry Robiskie: Let me begin by saying that if you believe for the past three years AC is dropping balls, you're obviously drinking too much. AC is always the leading receiver on this team when it comes to fewest drops. While I agree with you, professional athletes are paid to catch the ball, and they're paid extremely well, nobody catches every ball. Cal Ripken is paid to hit the ball. I think he struck out once. I think Michael Jordan missed a shot or two. I think Shaquille O'Neal missed a few field goals. So even though professional athletes are paid all that money, they too are human. Thank you for writing. Again, quit drinking. It's not good for you.

Chicago, IL: Terry,
Thanks for chatting with us fans. Do you and Norv anticipate that Detroit will sit back in soft coverage and try to take away the big play, like Carolina did last week? I'm itchin' for Mike or AC to break one, whether it's on a bomb or on a short pass with big YAC. Stick it to 'em on Sunday.

Terry Robiskie: Thanks a lot, but no, I do not think they will sit back and play soft zone. I think they will come after us and play man-to-man.

Pahrump Nevada: Hey, coach,
Like everyone else, I can't wait to see Stephen Davis running behind Tre Johnson. How much did it affect your game plan last Sunday not having him available? Thanks and good luck!!

Terry Robiskie: It did not change the plan a lot. We, too, miss Tre. It's wonderful having him back this weekend.

Richmond, Virginia: Terry, it was a very hot & humid day last Sunday, at least in the stands. It didn't seem like many players cramped-up, like opening day last year. What did the team do differently?

Terry Robiskie: We communicated more this year about the cramps and dehydration. The players were more aware and more conscious. So hopefully we won't have a problem at all this season.

Quincy, MA: Coach--Excellent job Sunday. I've already seen in your responses that Westbrook & Thrash are healing but I haven't seen any updates on Skip Hicks. Is he going to be ready Sunday? Is he also considered the first in line to back up Davis? Thanks again & good luck all year.

Terry Robiskie: No, Skip will not be ready this weekend. He is still a little sore and a little swollen. I think, personally, he is saving it for the Dallas Cowboys.

Raleigh, NC: Hey Terry -- I really enjoy your show. My concern is this, and I know others share it: In his attempt to avoid interceptions, is Brad Johnson taking too much pace off his throws and relying on easy "touch" passes, and avoiding strong-armed timing passes? I noticed this toward the end of last season and in the Carolina game last week. Are his overcautious throws limiting our passing game?

Terry Robiskie: Nothing, as far as I know, is limiting the passing game. We believe Brad is capable of making every throw, and we designed the passing game accordingly.

Brentwood, CA: Coach Robiskie:
With Westbrook's injured ankle, I now have to ask: Why exactly did the team choose to go with only 4 receivers this year? I don't really buy Coach Turner's explanation regarding other positions being thinner and less experienced, or the fact that Sanders or Bailey could fill in at WR in a pinch.

Terry Robiskie: We have gone with four receivers over the last few years. That's nothing new. We also felt there wasn't a fifth receiver on our roster who was ready to play.

Stafford, Virginia: First of all, I thought the passing routes and plays in the first series were exceptional. I hope you can keep execution like that in future game plans.
With the injury to Thrash, who would be the back up kickoff returner?

Terry Robiskie: I am not sure. Usually, it is Skip Hicks, but with Skip being injured, I'm not sure. I'll try to find out and let you know next week. That way, I know you'll come back and join us next week.

Greenbelt, MD: Hi Coach Robiskie.
While I'm a James Thrash believer, I was disappointed with his blocking effort on Stephen's 33 yd. run from the Carolina 46 with :52 seconds left. Seemed to me a good block would probably have gotten Stephen into the end zone. I also felt his blocking on teams was inconsistent at best. How do you rate your guys' blocking skills? And why didn't Albert dominate Dave Thomas? I sure thought he would. God bless & good health, Coach.

Terry Robiskie: I'm not sure who Dave Thomas is unless you're referring to the Dave Thomas from Wendy's. There is not a defensive back in Carolina named Dave Thomas. I think Albert's blocking in the game was outstanding. I agree with you and I promise you James Thrash heard about it. His block would have scored Stephen Davis easily. And again, you would not want to hear what I said to James. Hey, thanks for writing, and quit watching those Wendy's commercials.

Valencia, CA: Coach: congradulations on your first victory this year!! Both Michaael Westbrook and Albert Connell will be free agents at the end of this season. Do you know what either of them hope to do? Do they want to be life-long Redskins?

Terry Robiskie: I think we all would like to be life-long Redskins. I am not sure Michael is a free agent at the end of this season. Albert, I know, is a free agent. Michael, I don't think so.

Wessebago, Maine: Thanks for coming online and giving us your insights - it beats the heck out of relying on journalists!
The Carolina game wasn't shown in my area, so all I have to go by are statistics and commentary. You were expecting a big game from Stephen Alexander, but he had but one catch. To what do you attribute that?

Terry Robiskie: I think Carolina did a wonderful job with all their zone coverages. Stephen is a good football player, with a lot of football ahead of him. Trust me, he will get his catches. Thank you.

Little River, S.C.: I like the no back offense of the Rams. Do we have that scheme in our playbook?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, we do. I have said it once before on my show. The Rams are running our playbook. So, yes, we do have the same formation.

San Antonio, Texas: Hi Terry....so tell me after Albert Connell leveled that tremendous block on that Panther LB...did Russ Grimm make Albert an honorary Hog? And was there a lot of trash talking going on between ex-Notre Damer Andy Heck and Texas A&M grad Albert prior to the September 2 A&M/Notre Dame college football game?....did Albert pay up?

Terry Robiskie: I am not sure if those guys had a discussion about that or not. I am not sure if Albert had to pay Andy or not. And no, Russ is not quite ready to make Albert an honorary Hog just yet. Maybe at the end of the season he might.

Camp Hill, PA : Coach - I like to see you stick up for A.C when that knucklehead from Centerville gets on him for dropping a pass. Your loyalty is appreciated by us loyal and knowledgeable fans who know A.C. drops very few balls. Hail to the Redskins!!!!!!!

Terry Robiskie: Hey, thanks a lot. It's always great to communicate with true friends, especially the knowledgeable ones. I'm sure my Centreville friend is a big fan. I am not sure how knowledgeable. But again, it's always great to communicate with someone like yourself. Thanks for writing, and take care.

P.S., don't be too hard on those Centreville guys. That's my area. This guy is probably my next door neighbor. See ya.

Washington, DC: Hi Coach,
What are some of the ways you can attack a defense when they give your wideouts a 10 foot cushion from the line of scrimmage to prevent the big play? Thanks

Terry Robiskie: I think the best way is to run the ball and run the ball and run the ball until they come up to stop the run. They have to have run support to stop the run. And if they never move up closer with the secondary then every week Stephen Davis will run for 140 or 150 yards. Thanks for writing.

Montpelier, Va: Coach, The rookie Zeron Flemister has been a pleasant surprise. Can you tell me a little more about him and if he will be used more often this season. Thanks for answering my question. See you in Tampa!!!

Terry Robiskie: Zeron is a very talented kid who I think will be a good player in the NFL one day. We will, at different times, activate him for the game, but with the tight ends we have, he will be inactive a lot. But again, he is a good player.

SI, NY: Coach,
Did anyone on the 'Skins staff see the vicious hit that Regan Upshaw laid on Ryan Leaf on Sunday?? That hit got a 15 yd penalty...but as of me typing this message, no suspension has been leveled. Leaf had to get 8 stitches to his chin and he left the game for a few plays. Selective enforcement is the word of the week for Mark Carrier.

Terry Robiskie: I agree with you a thousand percent. I wish you and all your buddies will present your argument to the NFL. I, too, saw the hit to Ryan Leaf's chin, and yes, nothing happened other than a fine. His hit was a lot more vicious than Mark Carrier's. Why did he not get suspended? I would love to know.

Nicholasville, Ky: Coach: it was great to see this years first play of the season go to James Thrash!! Question: Detroit! What can we expect? Is the team focused and not distracted by the bogus suspension of Mark?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, I think the team is extremely well-focused and no, we won't be distracted by the suspension of Mark. Yes, it was exciting to give James Thrash the first play of the first game of the season. James is a hard worker and he's come a long way, and I mean a long way. If you see him, tell him I said so. Thanks for writing. See you next week. Oh, by the way, you're my last question for the day. So you should be recognized as Mr. Irrelevant. That's the guy who they pick as the last pick of the draft every year. They call him Mr. Irrelevant. Thanks a lot. Goodbye.

washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have. Terry will be back Monday, Sept. 18 at 3 to talk about that night's game against Dallas. See you then.