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

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 following Sunday's loss to Detroit, so let's get to it.

Roanoke, Va.: Good morning Coach. Thank you for not shying away from the tough questions. How can Norv justify giving Davis the ball just 3 times after halftime? When a team abandons the running game, it gives opposing defenses the opportunity to kill the quarterback. In the first Dallas game, the cowboys were 3 touchdowns behind, late in the third quarter, and they still ran the ball- and won the game-The running game opens up the passing game. Thanks

Terry Robiskie: I think the problem was when we got behind by ten at the half we felt the need to try and get some balls to Westbrook early in the second half. I think that as a staff we didn't realize Stephen Davis only carried it three times in the second half.

Manassas, Va.: I think Michael Westbrook is having a great year and I think it is super that he is out there giving it his all with a cast on, but... doesn't he have more important things to focus on than the game officiating?
The Post devoted a whole article to what he thought of Sunday's officials--it really sounds like sour grapes to me. I mean, how many breaks do the Skins need? We've gotten lucky on a lot of calls this season.
Is this attitude becoming prevalent on the team? If Westbrook wants to be a team leader, he needs to challenge his team & himself to correct their problems, not look elsewhere for blame. Your thoughts?

Terry Robiskie: I think Mike's statement was only because of frustration. I think we are all frustrated after the loss. Mike simply made a statement based off of what he felt from the film study. Yes, I agree with you we have received our share of breaks where the officiating is concerned. Again this is only a statement out of frustration. Yes, we do have bigger and more important things to focus on.

Washington D.C.: Terry, I know this is not your call, but why do the Skins panic whenever they fall a few points behind? I know you will say this is not the case, but your players and everyone who saw the game all are saying abandoning the run cost you the game, and Coach Turner abandons the run at the first sign of trouble. Sure looks like panic to me and anyone else who saw that deer in the headlights look on his face for most of the second half.

Also, what adjustments did you make at halftime? Were there any, besides dropping the run -which, as you may recall, was the only part of the offense that was working-?

Terry Robiskie: I don't think that we made a decision at half time to drop the run. The decision made at half time was to come up with a few throws that allowed the ball to be thrown quicker. Shorter drops and quicker throws. Again as a staff we didn't realize we had abandoned the run. Of course once we got into the fourth quarter and began trailing by 16 we had to continue on with the passing game. But again we didn't realize until after the game that Stephen had only carried the ball 3 times in the second half.

Norfolk, Va.: Coach: With two aged second-string cornerbacks for Detroit, why didn't the 'Skins attack them from the start of the game on? Even with Detroit's defensive line pressuring well, couldn't the 'Skins have called three-step drop pass patterns -short outs, comebacks, slants- challenging these two corners who appeared to be the weak link in Detroit's armor?

Terry Robiskie: You are the first guy that's written today wanting to know why we didn't throw more. We came out in the early part of the game trying hard to establish the run and threatened the corners with our deeper passes. As the game progressed we made some adjustments to go to the shorter drop and quicker throws. However, once the Lions took the lead they began playing more double coverage to help the two corners.

Las Vegas, Nev.: Hi coach, tough loss against the Lions. I was just curious about the Westbrook TD that wasn't overruled. Was that a called play or were Mike and Brad freelancing? Seemed like they thought a blitz was coming that never materialized so Mike just went to the open spot in the zone. Thanks for your time. Now go beat Arizona.

Terry Robiskie: That was a designed and called play. The play was designed to get Westbrook running up the inside edge of the numbers on one side of the field while the tight end is running up the other numbers and we simply throw the ball away from the middle safety. So yes, it was a designed play. Thanks for writing.

Fairfax,Va.: I just wanted to ask you what has happened with Albert Connell lately. At the beginning of the season he looked like Gary Clark but now he looks more like Desmond Howard does at receiver. Do you think he will come around in the next few weeks?

Terry Robiskie: He is not playing as fast or as hard as the beginning of the season. But he is still going pretty good. I think that he and Mike are tied at 50 catches each on the team. I think like most players this time of the season his aches and pains are getting to him a little. But he will be okay as soon as his second wind kicks in.

Orlando, Fla.: Do you guys not like Orlando or something?! I try every week to get a question submitted, and every week I see the same guys getting in here! Sometimes twice the same week, is that fair?! Maybe I should lie about where I'm from. Here's my shot in the dark: Terry, What-in-the-world is wrong with our Quarterback?! I've seen "this look" in his eyes the last 6 weeks. He's consistently throwing short, soft-or both -passes. he looks scared to death! Why isn't he in shot-gun formation more?-Especially when he hasn't had time to blink, lately-

Terry Robiskie: I think his first problem is that during the off season he spends too much time in Orlando. Brad is playing okay, he just needs to gain his second wind. Like most of the guys his body is a little beat up and a little sore. We are using the shotgun formation a lot. This weekend, however, we had problems even in shotgun mostly due to crowd noise. But hopefully we can buy him more time with our pass protection and he will be just fine.

Greensboro, N.C.: Thanks for your candid answers. I have two questions. First, when Westbrook fumbled, was that because of his wrist and if so should he go down easier until it heals? Also, there has been some talk about Brad Johnson's arm being weaker as the season has gone on. Is he resting it more during the week or is this not a problem?

Terry Robiskie: Well, I think the fumble did occur because of the cast on Mike's wrist and we have talked about going down easier once he catches the ball. However, it is his competitive nature, it's a tough situation for him. As for Brad's arm strength I think it may be a little tired but there isn't much time for rest and relaxation. We tried to rest his arm as much as we can during the week. However, that position is not the position that a guy can take off 2 or 3 days and come back ready to go.

Laurel, Md.: Coach...do you think Stephen Alexander would have made a difference in the passing game by not letting the safety sit twenty yards off the ball and forcing him to move up and cover Stephen over the middle?

Terry Robiskie: Yes. I definitely think Stephen would have made a difference as far as being a threat in the passing game and putting pressure on the two safeties.

Vienna, Va.: Terry -

You'll probably hear this from everyone, but I must ask..... Are you going to give Irving Fryar a chance to start in place of Albert Connell? Irving may be older, and may not have the physical talents that Connell does, but he is a wise, mature veteran who will not make the mental errors that take the wind out of players' sails by causing penalties, or nullifying crucial plays. For every big play he makes, he'll commit 2 mental errors. Please... Give Irving a chance? He's an old school guys who wants to play for the love of the game. And no, this is not Irving writing this question....

Terry Robiskie: You must first tell me what game are you referring to. Albert Connell is my top grading receiver from a mental stand point every week. The mental mistakes you are referring to you must clarify. Unless you are talking about the two bone head plays right before halftime in the Eagles game, I am not sure what mental mistakes you are speaking of. So why would you suggest that Irving starts for Albert?
I think Albert and Mike are both tied at 50 catches and over 800 yards. So how did you come up with Irving starting for Albert and not Michael?

Red House, Va.: It's crunch time now, Coach. 7-5 with a rough schedule ahead. Is it time to empty out the bag of tricks and use Champ at WR, as well as mix in the no-huddle?

Terry Robiskie: We might mix in the no huddle but I am not sure about using Champ. Champ obviously is still working hard on his side of the ball.

Fairfax, Va.: Hi Coach - I can imagine that plane rides home from a loss must not be much fun - but do you typically talk about what happened - or wait until you see the films on Monday?
Also does Mr. Snyder discuss game results with any of the other coaches -outside of Norv-?

Terry Robiskie: No. Mr. Snyder never discusses the game with us. And yes, it's hard to discuss what happened without first evaluating the film.

Baltimore, Md.: Coach...are there any plans to get James Thrash more involved in the offense, since he showed some playmaking ability and serious speed last week? I mean, the only guy on the field that made it to the end zone faster than James was LeCharles McDaniel.

Terry Robiskie: Well, I have one guy that's writing and saying throw more balls to Westbrook. One guy is saying start Irving Fryar over Albert Connell. One guy is saying give more balls to Stephen Davis and two guys are complaining about us using four wide receivers too much versus Dallas. So how do you see James Thrash getting in and getting the ball?

Bristow, Va.: Hi coach,
What sort of adjustments are made at halftime if any and what input do you personally have? It seems like the Redskins don't adjust well to what other teams are doing.

Terry Robiskie: I do have input which is mostly toward the passing game and the only adjustment was to create some passes when the ball comes out a lot quicker.

Raleigh, N.C.: What is all this talk about players needing their "second wind"? Is that the kind of stuff the staff is coaching?

Terry Robiskie: It's impossible to coach such a thing as a second wind. When I referred to getting a second wind I simply meant that in the middle of the season players' bodies become beat up, banged up and worn down a little. You have ankle sprains, finger sprains, sore arms, sore shoulders and things like that. When I am referring to their second wind I simply mean the aches and pains are starting to wear off and the soreness is not as relevant. So no, there's no such thing as coaching a second wind.

Laurel, Md.: Coach...do you think Mike Sellers is more effective blocking as a fullback or blocking as a tight end?

Terry Robiskie: Fullback. He is much better as a fullback than a tight end. I think he needs a running start.

Baltimore, Md.: Are there any ex-Redskins on the Cardinals? Boy, I hope not, after what Gus and Desmond did to us last week. It made me sick to watch Gus play so well, and have him say it was like a playoff game for him and he had something to prove. Maybe someone should tell Gus he was cut because he didn't play well. Anyway, what has been the feeling so far this week around Redskin Park? Are the players still a little let down from the tough road game, or are the pumped up to knock the Cardinals out of the divisional race at home this week?

Terry Robiskie: I think everyone is still down after the loss last week. And I agree with you there shouldn't be any ex-Redskins with the Cardinals especially if they are going to play like those two guys this weekend.

Virginia Beach, Va.: Hey Coach,
Thanks for your time. I just wanted to say that its very easy to rip the play selection, but I think the bottom line is you got to get the ball in the hands of Stephen Davis and Michael Westbrook one way or another for this team to score. I don't know what you or anyone has done to Michael to make him stand up and be a team leader, but I think its great. Do you have much input on the play selection?

Terry Robiskie: No, not a lot. Once in a while I'll make a suggestion and that's about it. Calling plays is a very tough situation to be in. And there can't be too many people involved at game time.

Charlotte, N.C.: Hi Terry.
Have any of the players said anything to the coaches about not running the ball? Sims and Tre have both said something to the media about it.
Just wondering if they are letting their coaches know how they feel, and how are the coaches responding to criticism?

Terry Robiskie: Well, I am not in the meeting with the offensive line. But I am sure they will let us know one way or the other about their frustration. I have not heard any of that from anyone other than what's in the paper.

Raleigh, N.C.: My point about "second winds" is that everyone in the league is banged up by week 13. Why should it effect the 'Skins more than the rest of the league? It sounds like an excuse.

Terry Robiskie: It only sounds like an excuse because you want to make it sound like an excuse. My statement to you is that the Redskins, like every other team in the NFL, must keep pushing to get their hurt people back and their nicked up people healthy and get prepared for what's known as the final run. Again, we in the NFL like to call it getting your second wind. You, not understanding, want to call it an excuse. Make it what you will. There is no excuse for the loss at Detroit other than we got manhandled. You obviously have never been involved in any sports if can not comprehend what I am speaking of when I talk about catching a second wind. At first, you wanted to know if that was something we were coaching and I told you no. Now, you are making it an excuse. Thanks for writing.

Fairfax, Va.: Coach - I know that the officials did not lose the game on Sunday - but do you ever change your strategy based on the officiating. For example, at the half, was there any talk about the number of penalties? It doesn't seem like we were playing any more aggressively than usual - it just seems like the officiating was more stringent...

Terry Robiskie: No. We never adjust the game plan due to the officials. This weekend because of crowd noise we had our hands full. And of course, we got in trouble.

Alexandria, Va.: Tony Kornheiser wrote in his column that one Redskin starter took one look at Desmond Howard during his first day of practice with the Redskins and said Howard would never make it in the NFL as a receiver. Regardless of whether this was just a coincidence, can you talk some about the process coaches and scouts go through to evaluate new talent? For example, how did Coach Gibbs and others go so wrong in evaluating Howard? Or how so many teams could pass on a receiver like Randy Moss?

Terry Robiskie: Well, I think it all starts with a guy's performance in college and Desmond Howard had a wonderful college career. By being drafted in the first round I think a lot of people saw him as a replacement for Art Monk. I think Desmond is a terrific return man, but not a big time NFL receiver. Of course, he is making a living in the league as a return man not a receiver. The misjudgment about Desmond was that he could be a big time receiver in the NFL. He was never looked on as a kick returner simply because he was drafted as a receiver.

Hyattsville, Md.: Hi Coach,

I'm a female that is a very die-hard Redskins fan. I wanted to know from a coach's viewpoint, how do you or other coaches -particularly Norv- motivate the players each week? Do you-Norv have pep rallies, team night out, yell or scream your points out, or simply say "Let's go get 'em guys?" I'm interested because my theory is that the Redskins seem to have a lack of motivation lately. What is your view? Thanks.

Terry Robiskie: Let me begin by saying thanks for writing. I don't get too many questions indicating they are from females. But all of our motivation comes from talks, cussing and fussing. We don't have pep rallies we simply give speeches and more speeches. That's the best we can do. Some games the guys are fired up more than other games. I don't have the answer or reason for that one but it's a fact. Why are the guys more fired up for Dallas as opposed to Chicago, Buffalo or Detroit? I don't know the reason. But we will continue to do all we can to motivate the players and get them ready to play. Write again, please.

Bristow, Va.: Coach,
How does the team and you personally feel about the remaining schedule and your chances of making the playoffs?

Terry Robiskie: We think our chances are great. We are in first place in the division. We have four games left. If we win three we can win in the division and that puts us in the playoffs. We think we can get that done.

McLean, Va.: Hi Coach: From me, you'll get no questions, no slams, no second guessing. I just want to tell you that the true fans are still behind the team, and will continue to do so regardless of wins and losses. When you truly love something, you don't toss it aside because it is not performing perfectly. Would we do that to our kids? Good luck to you and the team. From a true fan.

Terry Robiskie: It's a pleasure to allow your statement to be my last response for the day. It is Redskin fans like yourself that make coaching and winning that much more fun. The die hard fans are the ones we always try to win for and I assure you I will do all I can to win this weekend not just for me but you, a true fan. Thanks a lot.

washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have for today. Thanks again to Terry Robiskie. Join us again next week for another edition of Airing It Out.