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 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 the loss to Indianapolis, so let's get started.

Bethesda, Md.: Tough loss, coach, but a good game. I think if you have Davis the whole game, you win it.
My question is what were the routes run for the last play of the game? Everyone saw the sideline route to Westbrook, but what were the other receivers doing? Also, what was the call on the play where Johnson got drilled and fumbled the ball right after the onside recovery? Were you going for the jugular there?
Thanks, coach, and good luck against San Francisco. It'll be nice to face those guys without Steve Young, huh?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, I agree we might have won if Stephen Davis had stayed healthy. The route called on the sack fumble was a quick crossing route to Brain Mitchell. We did not get the turn protection from the right guard so Brad got hit. The last play of the game was a deep out to Westbrook or a comeback to Albert. The tight end was maximum protection and the third receiver was maximum protection. Unfortunately, Westbrook had press coverage and was not able to get a clean release. Thanks for the support and all the cheers.

Brooklyn, N.Y.: Great game, My questions is after you took a look at the game film of the last series, what protection problems were caused, and how will you combat those same problems in the future.

Terry Robiskie: We had the correct protection called but we simply got beat physically. A lot of times the crowd noise got us. The defense was getting a jump on the snap count because of the help from the crowd. That shouldn't be a problem in San Francisco so I think we'll be okay.

Laurel, Md.: Alright, settle all the rumors! What's the deal with Brad's arm? I've noticed a lot of his balls are carrying and seem to get away from him. Also, I know you've said that Norv's complicated offense was too much for Heath, Gus, and Trent. Do you think the offense is getting too complicated for Brad too?

Terry Robiskie: I don't think that it is. I do think Brad, like all of the other quarterbacks, is getting a little tired and beat up. Hopefully, we can keep him protected and not allow him to get hit too often this weekend. If we protect him from the big hit and the sacks, he'll be okay.

Asheville, N.C.: Why didn't Stephen Alexander get sent up the middle of the field more, it was wide open at times? Also, Larry Centers wasn't as involved as he has been in the past couple of games. Especially with Davis out, those little swing passes to Centers out of the backfield have been killing people. One more thing, maybe Andy Heck is wearing down and should get some help on passing situations.

Terry Robiskie: Yes, we tried to help Andy this weekend as much as we could. When you ask why Larry Centers wasn't as involved, it is because we kept him in to help Andy. We used more maximum protection trying to help Andy. As for Stephen Alexander going down the middle more, the times we called the passes to get him down the middle it was cover three with a safety in the middle as opposed to cover two with no deep safety.

Montgomery, Ala.: Tough loss on Sunday, Coach. Please tell us the status of Stephen Davis' ankle. Does his injury mean an increased dependence on the passing game this Sunday night against San Francisco? Good luck!

Terry Robiskie: I think Stephen is out for a couple of weeks. There is a little chip in his ankle, but the good news is that it may be an old injury. So hopefully, he will be back next week. However, if Stephen is unable to play, I think that Skip Hicks will perform adequately for us. Skip is a very good player and usually makes plays when he is in the game. Hopefully, we will continue to run the ball with a lot of success and make plays in the passing game when we have to.

New York, N.Y.: Albert Connell still doesn't have his head in the game. With about 1:30 to go he caught a pass around the 10 and turned in to try for the TD rather than going out of bounds and stopping the clock. That was like the third time he's done that this year and it could have been very costly. What's going on?

Terry Robiskie: I agree with you, 100 percent. Other than hitting Albert in the head with a hammer I have no idea of how to get that point across. Whenever we discuss it he says yes, and he understands. However, that is always on Monday, the day after the game. In the heat of the battle he always seems to forget, and that is an awful mistake. We scored the next play on Brian Mitchell's touchdown run, so hopefully next time it won't cost us.

Houston, Tx.: Coach, congratulations on a job well done. The team seems to be getting better and better, in spite of an 'L' rather than a 'W' for Indy. I have read quotes from the offensive line that suggest they do not enjoy protecting Brad for the pass as much as mashing for Stephen. Do you think the pass protection needs a boost, and how do you work with Coach Grimm to co-ordinate the offensive line and the passing game?

Terry Robiskie: I talk with Coach Grimm daily about what is safe and what is sound. We try to get on the same page with all of our protections. He and I discuss it daily.

Denver, Colo.: Why doesn't the team go to Stephen Alexander on third and fourth down passing situations? He's supposed to be too big for safeties and too fast for linebackers but he never seems to make an impact on the game.

Terry Robiskie: Stephen is an impact to the game, and we do work him on third downs. Again, sometimes we call a play on third downs to go to Stephen, but the defense may have him double covered. So we end up throwing the ball to someone else. Yes, we always put in and call plays to Stephen.

Florham Park, N.J.:
Westbrook did not have a productive day on Sunday. What were the Colts doing to shut him off? What could Westbrook have done better?

Terry Robiskie: I think it was a little more us than them. I think we put Mike in a few tough situations. We made a couple calls with routes to him versus double coverage or when a blitz was coming so we had to throw it quickly.

Gaithersburg, Md.: I didn't see a lot of slants and screens set up for the wide receivers this game. Did the Colts play a specific defense to take those away?
Also, we used to run reverses with Michael or other wide receivers that would usually loosen up the defense being so keyed on the running backs, how come we haven't been doing that?
Thanks!

Terry Robiskie: We had a few slants called, if you remember we threw one to Mike on our right hand side. The defense was in a roll coverage and ended up taking it away. We are not running as many reverses because defenses are watching for the reverse. And we were also waiting for Mike to remove his cast off his broken wrist.

Washington, D.C.: Can Connell's continued errors in judgment possibility cost him a position on the team in the future via trade or release?

Terry Robiskie: No, I do not think his mental lapse would cost him a position on the team. I think Albert is a young, energetic player starting his first full season in the NFL. The only way he can learn is to play and get better. Some things come with experience, and this one he will get sooner or later. Hopefully, sooner.

Springfield, Va.: With Stephen Davis possibly out of the lineup against the 49ers, how will the passing game pick up the slack for the offense? Do you plan to give Stephen Alexander more looks? The short pass has been well utilized over the past few games w- Centers and Mitchell doing their share. Johnson has not hit the long ball as well recently. It seems like the short-mid range passing game w- full utilization of the backs and tight-end and the occasional bomb to Connell-Westbrook should be the plan for this weekend. Don't mean to tell you how to run this machine, but what do you think?

Terry Robiskie: Well, it sounds like you just told me how to run this machine. I promise you we will try to do everything you just mentioned. We will continue to spread the ball to everyone on the field and hopefully continue to let the playmakers make plays.

Dale City, Va.: Hi Coach, it seems that when the better offenses have to get it done through the air, they go to their big play guy. Why are teams able to take Westbrook away almost completely during those times? Same is true of Alexander. We hear they were double teamed or covered by a super jock, etc. That's so frustrating to me as a fan. I'd love to see that Aikman-Irvin mentality here, where we ARE going to our best guy, now try to stop us! Are we simply not god enough to do that right now?

Terry Robiskie: I am not sure we are good enough. I am not sure that we are capable of beating what is called a bracket coverage. Double on Mike or double on Stephen. I am not sure we can hold the ball long enough to beat the double coverage. But like you said, it is crunch time and we must find a way to get the ball to our playmakers. I am sure we will this Sunday. Thanks for your support. Happy Holidays!

Fairfax, Va.: Hi Coach - Did the team watch the Cowboys game on the way home?
Also, is it unusual that all these players are discussing their plans for next year -to return or not- - it seems premature - like we should be focusing our attention on making the playoffs. I don't recall such statements in past year's -before the season ended- --One of your "many" female fans

Terry Robiskie: It's always fun to have a female fan. Especially one that understands football. No, we were not able to watch the Dallas game as we were in the air flying. As for the talk about who is coming back and who's not, that is all media. That is them stirring it up for the fans. Trust me, it's not that big of a deal. Half of the people talking about coming back or not coming back, they don't even know if the organization wants them back. So who knows what's going to happen. Write back next week. Continue the support and thanks for the support.

Sterling, Va.: Was that the old whining and excuse making Westbrook returning in today's Post?
Gonna smack him upside the head Coach, if so?

Terry Robiskie: I am tired of smacking him up side the head. My hand is hurting. But of course, he's got a hard head. But I understand his argument and once again, I will sit and have a long talk with that young man.

Silver Spring, Md.: Any chance of getting Mr. Westbrook back to answer questions on-line with you before the play-offs?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, of course. But we'll have to do it after a big game. He would never show up after a one-catch game. We'll see, maybe next Tuesday. Happy Holidays.

Portland, Ore. : Better teams seem to have learned from enough film to apply pressure on Brad while keeping our receivers underneath with deep coverage. With recent success against our passing game, Brad seems indecisive and almost too careful with the football.
If Stephen Davis is out teams will tee off on our QB. Will you try more underneath slants, screens, etc. and why aren't we trying to put the ball up on the outside more? It seems like we drew more flags earlier this season. Good luck vs. San Francisco.

Terry Robiskie: I think you have hit the game plan right in the middle. We will try to do everything you discussed. More quicker passes, more underneath passes and take a few shots upfield.

Baltimore, Md.: Coach: Although they lost, they played about as hard as I have seen them play. I hope they will come out strong in San Francisco. Have you and the other coaches had a chance to review the penalties against Lang? The first one particularly hurt after having them 3rd and 11.

Terry Robiskie: Yes, we have. And we agree with you that the first one hurt a lot. That is a very tough call on the official, but he made it so we tried to adjust to it. It hurt, but it's his judgement and there is nothing we could do.

Fairfax, Va.: Coach,
Since Skip Hicks' style is different from Davis', will you be running different plays, more suited to Skip if he starts? It seemed to me Norv was calling the same runs up the middle for Skip as for Davis in the 1st half. I thought Skip ran better to the outside. Will you tailor the running game to your starter?

Terry Robiskie: Well, you might be with the 49ers. I can't tell you my game plan. Call me and leave me your personal number, and if it isn't in the 415 area code or the 510 area code, then I'll tell you what we will be doing.

Baltimore, Md.: This is probably Jerry Rice's last game in San Francisco as a 49er. It will likely be an emotional game for them. Any talk among the Redskins about this emotion factor in San Francisco?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, we are having discussions about this being Jerry's last game, and a very emotional game. We are discussing with our guys, let's make sure that it is a very emotional loss. Send Jerry out on a losing note for his last game ever.

Washington, D.C.: Coach - Westbrook says he spends a ton of time online. Did you just throw down the gauntlet knowing he will be reading it?

Terry Robiskie: Never. He's never online. He better be in my film room studying films. Forget that online stuff.

Fairfax, Va.: Coach,
Thanks for your honesty over the season. I'm sure we fans can test your patience asking the same questions over and over.
Wouldn't it be prudent to rest Davis next week, rather than push him to play? I think we can take San Francisco without him, and then he will be in better shape for the playoffs.

Terry Robiskie: Well, if you can guarantee me we can take San Francisco without Stephen, then yes, we should rest him. However, if I have the leading rusher and the leading scorer in the league, and it's possible for him to play, I would love to see him play. So write back and let me know if you are giving me a money-back guarantee.

Honolulu, Hawaii: Aloha Terry, I was at the game Sunday. Not sure how it looked on TV, but that was like a den of thieves and you and the coaches had the Redskins playing at a very high level. Yeah, we lost, but congratulations anyway, because it appears the team really decided it was going to give its utmost to win.
My question deals with the noise. Was any of it computer-generated? And, even though it obviously affected some of the players, we stopped our shifts in the 2nd half when that really confused them? Was it just the noise, or personnel generated?
Thanks, and hang in there. We're playing very well when we need to most.

Terry Robiskie: Thanks for writing. And thanks for the support. I am not sure if a lot of the noise isn't generated by the organization. I felt it was during the game, but I am not sure. That would be a tough one to prove without me knowing someone at the Colts to give me that information. Yes, we decided to cut down the amount of shifting and moving because of the crowd noise. The crowd noise was tough but not as bad as Detroit.

Fairfax, Va.: Double your Money back. See M. Wilbon for payment if you lose.

Terry Robiskie: I know M. Wilbon. I guarantee you he isn't paying anyone.

Greenbelt, Md.: Coach, how bad do you want to be a head coach? Do you have the "fire in the belly" about it or would you be happy as an asst. for the rest of your NFL time?

Terry Robiskie: No, I would love to be a head coach. But no, there is no fire in my belly. If it happens, you can be the first to write me here online, and congratulate me. Thanks for writing.

Middletown, N.Y.: Hi, Coach.
Still think Michael owes you a Rolex. Anyway, I thought that we played the best team in football as hard as they've been played all year. I think that if Brad had just kept that last pass a little lower for Michael that we'd would have tied the game on the next play. Maybe Norv would've gone for the three points. on first down, just for the extra tries. But, bygones, right? So here's my question. How is Mr. Connell's confidence these days? We all know what he can do, as he's proven time and again that he's a great slot receiver - Leslie WHO? - but does he still believe it?
P.S. Don't take it personally, but I think John Madden needs to ease up on us some. He's been brutal lately with his commentary. Any thoughts there?

Terry Robiskie: I think that Albert's confidence is still high. I think he's going good and playing fast. As for John Madden, I played for him for two years. Sometimes you've got to know when to tune him out. I remember two games in particular that I tuned him out for the whole game. It was great. Now if you ever run into John, please don't tell him I told you that. 'Til this day, he still doesn't know.

Happy Holidays, see you next week.

washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and join us again next week for another edition of Airing It Out With Terry Robiskie.