Terry Robiskie, right, and receiver Albert Connell. (Reginald Pearman Jr. - washingtonpost.com)

Terry Robiskie, the Redskins' passing game coordinator, discussing Sunday's victory over the Arizona Cardinals, said being in first place in the NFC East is nice but the Redskins have to concentrate on their next opponent, the Cowboys in Dallas.

Robiskie joined the Redskins as wide receivers coach in 1994 after spending 12 years as a coach for the Raiders. Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1977, his five-year playing career includes three seasons with the Raiders and two with the Dolphins.

washingtonpost.com: Welcome back to Airing It Out. Thanks to Terry Robiskie for joining us. We've got a bunch of questions, so let's get to it.

Severn, Md.: Congrats again on another victory. Can't wait till next Sunday when we play Dallas. It will be a huge game. My question is this: Albert Connell was getting blamed by Joe Theismann for the corner route he ran. It appeared to me that he was running for the end zone and Brad threw it way short. What happened on that play?

Terry Robiskie: Exactly what you said. Albert had a deep corner route and he went behind the DB, which is his job. Brad threw the ball in front of the DB.

Sterling, Va.: Redskins had the ball with more than six minutes left in the 4th quarter with a 17-10 lead.
Their play selection is very questionable - instead of running out the clock with running plays, Brad Johnson threw 3 passes. I believe all 3 passes were incompletions.
I'm assuming Norv Turner called these plays - with so much clock left - why throw the ball?

Terry Robiskie: I don't remember the series you are speaking of. Yes, the head coach did call the plays as usual. However, we are not known for sitting on the ball and trying to run out the clock. We do as much as we can to score as much as we can with every given opportunity.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Terry, I would like to know why the Skins - and other teams - don't challenge cornerbacks like Deion Sanders and A. Williams from the Cardinals. Why are they reluctant to make these so called superstar cornerbacks play football. We have two great receivers that I think can do damage to Mr. Prime Time. Why not force Deion to tackle somebody or make a play? You can't allow the defense to dictate which side of the field you can use, not with a QB like Brad who puts the ball right on the money.

Terry Robiskie: Because, whenever you go against one great corner and one awful corner any wise man should know: Attack the weakest. It is not that we are afraid to go after Deion or Aeneas, it's just that we know we have a great advantage on the other side so we constantly try to apply pressure to the other side.

Columbia, Md.: Psychologically, are the Redskins or Dallas in a better position for this Sunday's game – with Dallas on a loss and Skins on a win?

Terry Robiskie: The Redskins. You always like to go into a game on a high note as opposed to a loss and a down note. I would always rather be at the top with everyone chasing me as opposed to being at the bottom chasing everyone else.

Richmond, Va.: On the ball in the first half that was tipped and ended up hitting Michael Westbrook, who almost made a great catch, who was the intended receiver? And were there supposed to be two receivers in the same vicinity like that?

Terry Robiskie: The intended receiver was Irving Fryar. Westbrook was going deep, noticed the ball coming and stopped as he was unsure if it was a short throw to him or a deep throw to Irving. But Westbrook was running a clear out route.

Falls Church, Va.: I know that opposing teams run statistical analysis of our offensive plays to try to predict what we run in certain situations. If we run a play perfectly we could tell them what play were are going to run and we would still gain yards. My question then is 'do we every run an analysis of our own offense and select plays to try to make it less predictable.

Terry Robiskie: Yes. We run an analysis every week and we try to mix it up every week. Plays we run out of one formation on a regular basis we try to change it up to another formation.

Philadelphia, Pa.: Hey Coach, can you give us an update on Stephen Davis's condition?

Terry Robiskie: He hurt his ankle during the game. I can't say how severe it is. He says he will be ready to play come Sunday.

Washington, D.C.: You made a remark last week that Norv's offense is displayed in St. Louis, as well as New England. What happens when you guys cut or release a player, that has absorbed almost the entire playbook?

Do the Redskins have to totally change signals, names, and everything else to prevent that player from 'spilling the beans' to another team when he's picked up?

Terry Robiskie: No. This is football in the new millennium. Remember, we no longer signal plays. We call them in on headset, so it's impossible for a player to steal the signals. And, I promise you, our playbook is so large it's impossible for a player to remember it when he leaves here. Half of us that stay here don't remember it.

Oakland, Calif.: What do you think contributed to Brad Johnson's poor performance? Not just the interceptions, but his consistent underthrowing of the ball? I believe it was ESPN interview that jinxed him or maybe the bye week?

Terry Robiskie: No. I told Brad after the game I think he burned himself out that morning. I think by him sitting and watching the Minnesota Vikings game that morning he was mentally and physically drained by the time we kicked off. So it was more the Vikings game.

Greenbelt, Md.: First, congratulations on a great year so far and good luck down the road. Here's my question: when does an NFL team find out which officiating crew will be handling each game? When the schedule is first announced? Or do you find out which officiating crew you'll get the week before each game?

I'm curious since I'd imagine that officiating crews have certain tendencies – for example, one officiating crew might call more holding penalties than other crews.

Do NFL teams alter their game plans based on which officiating crew they'll be getting for that week's game? Just curious.

Terry Robiskie: Absolutely not. We never alter our game plan because of the officials. Most officials are pretty consistent with their calls. We usually find out two weeks ahead of time which crew we are getting. For example, this week we will know who we are getting to officiate the Bears game.

Midlothian, Va.: From what you've seen on tape, is Deion Sanders at 100%? If not, what percent is he and where is he not up to his usual standards?

Terry Robiskie: He appears to be 100%. He sometimes moves around like he is 80%. But I think that's more for TV.

Washington, D.C.: Do you know why Matt Turk is trying to fix something that ain't broke? He's been to the Pro Bowl for the past several years, but is now trying to remake himself. Do you know why?

Terry Robiskie: I guess because of our constant struggle with ourselves to always be so perfect. I guess in his desire to reach perfection he is screwing up what is already pretty good. I am sure pretty soon he will recognize what's going on.

Hot Springs, Az.: Much has been made of the so called "hybrid " offensive approach the Redskins are featuring. Would you say that the basic mindset is pass to set up the run, or the other way around?

Terry Robiskie: No. It is pass to set up the run. It always has been and always will be.

Arlington, Va.: Great job Coach! I have few quick questions--1-If you could choose, would you rather be a NFL head coach or head coach at LSU? 2- What will be the biggest challenge in preparing the Skins to go to Dallas this week, especially with Dallas LOSING last night? 3-What will you do differently this week against Dallas vs. week 1?

Terry Robiskie: I think it depends on which head coaching job in the NFL, but I guess I would immediately lean toward the NFL, as I have been here in this league all of my life. It would be difficult, however, as I love LSU. The one thing we will try to do differently is score 50 and stop them from scoring more.

Charlottesville, Va.: Why isn't Brian Mitchell more involved in the offense? It seems like management is replacing him with Larry Centers, and the special teams blocking doesn't give him much of an opportunity. Is he on his way out?

Terry Robiskie: That's difficult to say. Brian is and will be a big part of this offense. Larry Centers is a very good player and the two of them will continue to help us win.

SIlver Spring, Md.: What was Larry Centers' reaction during and after the game with the Cardinals?

Terry Robiskie: Hysteria. He was so excited he cried in the locker room. It was a great win for all of us but a very emotional win for Larry.

Burke, Va.: Hi Terry, Great win. I wanted to ask you about your sprint down the sidelines in the first quarter Sunday as you were running along, I believe it was Albert Connell who caught a nice pass and turned it upfield. You showed some nice form. Almost like you were ready to jump in there and run a few routes yourself.

Terry Robiskie: Sometimes, excitement gets the best of all of us. I guess that's why my hamstrings are a little sore today. What are you doing watching the sidelines? Thanks for watching.

Rockville, Md.: There was mention of incorporating the three wide receiver offensive set after the bye week. I didn't see it used that much in the Arizona game, will it be used more as the season goes on?

Terry Robiskie: Well, we used a couple. But if you are sitting and waiting for us to become a three wide out team, it won't happen. We will use a little here and there. But Stephen Alexander is a Pro Bowl tight end and he will be on the field as much as possible.

Rockville, Md.: How do you plan to attack Dallas' defense with Deion Sanders back in the lineup?

Terry Robiskie: We will go out and try to execute our offense just like every other week, with one or two things in the plan to go against Dallas.

Lexington Park, Md.: Do you think this week that Deion Sanders will match up man-to-man all over the field with either Michael Westbrook or Albert Connell like Darrell Green used to do against Michael Irving?

Terry Robiskie: No. I don't think they can match Deion on one guy as the other one would in turn hurt them. I think Deion will play his guy man for man with a double coverage on the other receiver.

Mebane, N.C.: What do the Redskins have to do to make sure what happened in Week 1 with Dallas doesn't happen again?

Terry Robiskie: Stop them from scoring. Don't let them score 21 points in the 4th quarter, just shut down their offense.

Upper Marlboro, Md.: Was it your intent to use Michael Westbrook simply as a decoy because of the Cards' CB Williams? Mike didn't see the ball as much as I or he would like.

Terry Robiskie: Well, sorry to disappoint you and Mike. No, he was not a decoy. However, the defensive back on the other side was a weaker cover guy so we attacked him. We had a couple of things that we tried to get thrown to Mike and it didn't come up the way we wanted to. The three balls he caught were called for him. He came open and we threw it to him. However, I want you and Mike to keep in mind, I'm into winning the game not getting balls to Mike to satisfy you or Mike.

Herndon, Va.: Coach Robiskie: With Dallas's loss last night, preceded by a loss to the Eagles, and with other "upsets" such as the Eagles beating Chicago and the Panthers over the 49ers - have you ever seen such a crazy start to a season?

Terry Robiskie: Never! This is really a weird year and I wish I knew why. If you figure it out, write back and let me know.

Upper Marlboro, Md.: I have a quick question. Over the games this year, I've noticed that Irving Fryar always seems to be lingering around Norv or talking to him during crucial times in the game. I remember right before and right after the failed kick against Dallas. And, there have been numerous times this year. I'm sure that he's begging to get intot he game :- But, what else is Irving saying to Norv all those times?

Terry Robiskie: Nothing else. He spends every minute on the sideline begging to go in. He is full of life, full of energy and he's got the heart of a lion. He is dying to go in, burning with desire to compete, so he is always begging to put him in. He is like a kid on a Pop Warner football team: Just put me in coach, please put me in.

Columbia, Md.: Terry, it looks like defenses are starting to blitz the Redskins more and more. Carolina had some success with it, and the Cards did it with limited success. Dallas probably will do it. Does this change your game plan more by having to keep more people in to block? And are you confident Brad can handle the extra pressure?

Terry Robiskie: I know Brad can handle it. It's just a matter of us being able to block it up front. Yes, I am confident Brad can get it done. Each week we add a new wrinkle to our protection to help against the blitz.

Alexandria, Va.: Terry, how are your kids doing with the little league football stuff?

Terry Robiskie: They are doing wonderful. This weekend we had two wins and one loss. But the loss occurred because I was not there to fuss at the refs. No, we lost to Centreville, which is supposed to be a good team.

Silver Spring, Md.: Coach: Great win, it was terrific to watch. How are Tre Johnson and Jon Jansen, injury-wise?

Terry Robiskie: Both guys are a little banged up and hurting. That's normal for this time of the year.

Takoma Park, Md.: Terry, I know your title is passing game coordinator, is there a substantial difference between that and what most teams call the offensive coordinator?

Terry Robiskie: I am still trying to figure out what my title is. What is a passing game coordinator? The offensive coordinator coordinates everything during the week and calls plays on weekends. I coordinate the passes during the week but I don't call plays. Hopefully, that explains the difference.

Dale City, Va.: I thought Sunday's game was well executed by the Redskins. I have been truly impressed by the receivers this year. How well do you feel they are running their route assignments? You made some comments this summer about receivers running their route assignments?

Terry Robiskie: They are getting better each and every week. We are not a fine tuned machine yet, but we are getting there. Hopefully, in a few weeks we will.

Washington, D.C.: James Thrash -- Will we see him this season either as a receiver or kick-punt returner?

Terry Robiskie: From a receivers point, I hope not. If James is in the game other than a four wide receiver than someone is injured and I hope that doesn't happen. As a kick returner that would mean Brian Mitchell is injured and I hope that doesn't happen. James is a developing player and I promise you he is learning while sitting and watching.

Washington, D.C.: Why don't we get the ball to Stephen Alexander more? Is it because the defense isn't allowing it?

Terry Robiskie: Stephen Alexander had a touchdown this weekend. What more does he need? I should allow you to communicate with the other guy that wrote me wanting to know why I don't get more balls to Westbrook and the other one who wanted to know why I don't get more balls to Connell. One day I'll put the three of you in a room together and let you decipher who should get the ball.

Waldorf, Md.: First of all, congratulations on the victory last Sunday. It looked like you guys were well prepared for the Cardinals. It was a pleasure to see Larry Centers run the ball with such authority, - in a Redskins jersey!

I would like to know how you and team feel about being in first place in the NFC East for the first time in a few years? I know this can be a temporary thing because we still have a lot more football left in the season, but it has to feel good after so many seasons of falling short.

Terry Robiskie: Yes. It could be a temporary thing. But it's just like the high school homecoming queen: It's temporary, but it's wonderful, however temporary it may be. I am enjoying and loving every minute. Now if we can just win that homecoming game, it will make the queen happy for a day. If we can just win Sunday I'll be happy for a day.

Damascus, Md.: The announcers during the game this week credited much of the offensive turnaround by the Redskins this year to the acquisition of Sims and Heck as free agents and the drafting of Jansen to rework the offensive line. Yet here we have a QB having a monster year, but Trent Green had a real good year last year as well. So my question is, what's really the difference this year as opposed to last?

Terry Robiskie: I think it's because of the new passing game coordinator. He deserves ALL of the credit :-)

Fairfax, Va.: Dallas Week here in Washington is always a big deal and despite what you guys usually say, I think the team gets up for the Cowboys. What is the atmosphere like in Dallas and among the Cowboys players when the Redskins come to Big D?

Terry Robiskie: I have no idea. I have never been with Dallas and I have never lived in Dallas, so I have no idea how they prepare for the week. It's a big week for us whenever we play Dallas and we do all we can to get ready.

washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have with Coach Robiskie. Join us again next Tuesday for another edition of Airing It Out With Terry Robiskie.