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

Terry Robiskie, the Redskins' passing game coordinator, discussing the Rams game and Washington's next opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, said the bye week provided a tremendous advantage in terms of preparation.

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.

Terry Robiskie: Well, let's get started on a smiling Tuesday afternoon after a big Monday night win. I'm ready for all callers. Let's get started.

Columbia, SC: Hey Coach. Great win last night with a complete team effort. All phases of the Redskins game really seemed to be clicking and at the right time. With Jeff George's performance last night, how hard will it be to put Brad Johnson back in the lineup when he's healthy again? I'm a big Brad Johnson fan, but George really looked good last night. What are your thoughts? Go Gamecocks!

Terry Robiskie: Hello, Gamecock. Pretty nice school. I remember your school from the Paul Dietzel days. Thanks for your support. We were very excited about Jeff's game last night. Fortunately, I don't make the decisions on who starts next week or the week after when Brad is healthy. But again, we do believe we have two outstanding quarterbacks.

Hamilton, VA: We didn't see it, but the announcers said that Fryar called an "offensive meeting" at one point on the sideline. What was that all about?

Terry Robiskie: That was just to make a statement to the offense. He wanted to let the guys know that if, at the end, we could put together one five minute drive then the game would be over. That was it.

Paeonian Springs, VA: In the beginning of the 4th quarter, George kind of "lobbed" a fairly long pass that AC went up & got. Was that play "tailor-made" for AC's leaping ability, or was that just the way the pass was supposed to be thrown?

Terry Robiskie: A combination. Of course, the play was designed that way. Also, Jeff made a tremendous throw to allow AC to go up and make the catch.

DC: I loved watching Thrash against the Rams. His first kickoff return let everybody know the 'Skins were there to play. And that TD catch -- man! Perfect route, perfect throw, perfect catch, and even perfect spike. It looked like he really expected to catch that thing and just wouldn't be denied. Congratulate him for me!

Terry Robiskie: I will. You made him sound like a perfect player. Be careful. He's very capable of getting the big head. Please don't forget that with a guy like James sometimes it takes perfect coaching. ;-) Thanks for writing.

Round Hill, VA: Were you suprised to see George get the ball to Fryar in the end zone? That couldn't have been his primary receiver, or was it?

Terry Robiskie: It was not the primary. It was the secondary. I'm not sure if you watched our game against Dallas here last season. Brad Johnson threw a deep post pattern to Michael Westbrook for a touchdown. That play last night was the exact same play. Success: How beautiful it is.

Spring, Texas: Hell of a game Coach!
Who says the 'Skins don't have character?
My questions are how is Stephen Davis's arm? And who did the game ball go to? My choice would have been James Thrash. Besides that questionable holding call against him he played a hell of a game. Thanks for taking my questions and Hail 'Skins!

Terry Robiskie: Thanks for writing. We're not sure about Stephen's arm. He's getting it x-rayed as we speak. As for game balls, the head coach gave out about 10 of those. I think the whole team should have received one. But again, you'd like to give a game ball to the player of the game. But I guess last night 10 guys deserved it.

Sterling, VA: How much did the bye week help in preparing a game plan. Were you able to look at more tape and find things that you would normally not be able to find or was the preperation pretty much the same?

Terry Robiskie: No. It was a tremendous help. That extra week gave us an extra week to prepare. It was a tremendous plus. And yes, I did get to watch about 10 more games than usual. It was a tremendous advantage.

Richmond, VA: What grade would you give our offensive line?

Terry Robiskie: That's a difficult question because I've never wanted to be a school teacher. The reason being, I never wanted to give a grade. If I was a school teacher, I would give every student an A+ just to see them all smile and be happy. So I guess I should give the offensive line an A+. No. Then they would think I was getting soft. Let's give them all an A.

Chesapeake VA: How is Darrell? I heard a rumor that he could miss significant time with a tear in his hamstring. Also, are there any other injuries to speak of?

Terry Robiskie: No. I think from an injury standpoint, we're in pretty good shape. Darrell is sore this morning, but I think he's okay.

DC: What lead up to the great TD catch by Thrash? Was it something you, he, or George saw in the defense? And great job to you too, coach -- that play reflected good coaching.

Terry Robiskie: Thanks for your support, and I must say watching all the film and all the games is what leads up to a play like that. We felt like going into the game we could get a touchdown off that play. And of course, it worked.

Columbus, OH: Champ is supposed to be a pretty fast guy. Did anyone on theam team give him grief for getting run down by a lineman on his interception return?

Terry Robiskie: I think we were all too shocked. I know I was. As opposed to giving Champ a hard time, I immediately gave congratulations to their tackle. What a tremendous play by Orlando Pace.

DC: So, between you and me, who's starting at QB next week?
And on a more serious note, did George have the entire playbook to work with in the last couple of weeks or was it narrowed down until he gets more reps? Do you plan the games differently for each QB, since their strengths lie in different areas?

Terry Robiskie: No, we really don't. We generally plan the game plan the same and allow our guys to go out and execute. As for who's starting next week, you and I are both on the same page. Today, neither of us has the answer.

Columbus, Ohio: To me this was the most exciting win of the season, against the world champs in their own stadium. What was the mood of the team like on the trip back home?

Terry Robiskie: It was a fantastic mood. I think it was one of those "We showed them, didn't we?" It was a big win, a needed win. And we were happy.

DC: I'm kinda worried of the Eagles next week, especially the way they've been playing and how close it was the last time we played them. Will the Redskins offense do anything different this time around to counter that tough Eagle defense?

Terry Robiskie: We will continue to make some plays and mix up the things we do. The Eagles are very tough on defense and of course they know us extremely well. But again, we will continue to mix up some things on offense and get after the Eagles.

Fairfax Station, VA: Terry, if you were a Redskins receiver right now, would you rather have Jeff or Brad throwing the ball to you and why? Who do you think gives the Redskins a better chance to win right now and why?

Terry Robiskie: I think both quarterbacks are excellent players. To say one over the other would give us the best chance, I can't say that. As for who I would rather have throwing to me, I guess either one as long as he hit me. Again, both quarterbacks are outstanding players. Both guys are true professional players, and I know whichever one starts the other one will be happy for him and supportive.

Alexandria, Virginia: The question everyone wants to know: why aren't the Redskins consistent?

Terry Robiskie: Well, that's an easy question. It's the same reason why the St. Louis Rams lose by 20 to Kansas City. Why Tennessee turns it over seven times against Cleveland. Why Tampa Bay loses to Chicago. This is the NFL, not college football. It's hard to put a finger on the real reason, but like I said, in the NFL, all the teams are not very far apart. From the last place team being the San Diego Chargers to the first place team, say the Raiders or the Vikings. I promise you, there isn't a big difference between those teams.

Springfield, VA : One of the most exciting games I have watched. Thanks. Looks like the kicking game has stabilized for awhile. How is Deion's ankle today? I was worried when he limped off last night. How is Brad's knee? I'm glad I don't have to make the decision who will start.

Terry Robiskie: As for everyone's health, I think we came out okay. There will be some bumps and bruises, but in the end, I think we will be okay. Let's hope so. Like you said, we limped out of it, but we got through it. I even think Deion's ankle is okay. Thanks for writing.

Arlington, Va.: It's hard for me to track this on TV with the different camera positions and all the graphics, etc., but when you plan out a series of plays do you take into account the cumulative effect of punishment dished out to say, a safety or corner?
For example, if you run to the right side, forcing a DB to make a tackle, do you then throw at that DB with the hope he's a little dinged up or at least winded?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, we will. We don't game plan that way, but during the course of the game, if we see where a DB took a tremendous hit and may be hurt, we will try to go after him quickly before he can recover. If he's a little dizzy, we want to attack him while he's still dizzy.

Washington, DC: In nearly every game I watch, the announcers make the point that "Team X's defense is playing too much and getting worn out." I've always figured that, whenever one team's defense is on the field, the other team's offense must be on the field, so both would get "worn out" at the same rate.
Is there something about offense/defense that makes defenses wear out at a faster rate during games? More substitutions? Harder to play defense? What are your thoughts on this?

Terry Robiskie: That one I'm not sure about. I think if either side is on the field for a long period of time, then you should expect that side to get worn out.

Great Falls, VA: Who was involved in calling the fake kickoff? Was that practiced all year or was that one special for this game?

Terry Robiskie: No. It's not a special. It's a play that's in the playbook. One that we practice about three or four times each week. The kickers sometime practice it by themselves. But again, it's in the playbook and we finally called it. Exciting, wasn't it? The head coach called it.

Manassas: When you have away games, how do you travel? Mr. Synder's private jet? Charter a plane, or are you on a flight with regular Joes like us?

How does the short week affect your prep time for the Eagles? Great game and good luck on Sunday!

Terry Robiskie: The short week will move very fast. But we'll have to adjust to it and get it done. As for traveling with regular Joes, that's normal for most of us. Most of us are nothing more than regular Joes. However, in this case, the organization rents an airplane and we all travel as a team on that plane.

Baltimore: Re: Alexandria's question about consistency. It seems the 'Skins play at the level of their opponent. Against St. Louis, they rose to the occasion; and in Arizona, they let their standards fall. Anything the coaching staff can/should do to ensure players give 110 percent no matter who they are up against?

Terry Robiskie: The only thing we can do is try to emphasize every week the importance of every game. And that is exactly what we do. Again, over a period of 20 weeks, we sometimes run into mental breakdowns and mental let-downs. It's as if we have fallen asleep at the wheel. And every now and then you get one of those days.

DC: Congrats on the win and on getting named as Peter Kings Coach of the Week. We're all hoping you get a head coaching job somewhere, but pardon us if we don't want to see you leave here any time soon.

Terry Robiskie: Well, let me say this. Hats off to Peter. Peter's a guy I have a lot of respect for. But tell him, if he's going to give me the Assistant Coach of the Week Award, give it to me because of how my players played, not for speaking out about something I firmly believe. For me, that's easy. I know no other way than to speak up. Let me leave you by saying, I'm in no hurry to leave the Washington Redskins. So whereby you said that you, the fans, would hate to see me go, I, the coach, would hate to leave.

Landover, MD: Coach, question on your sideline scheme:
When Norv calls a play, do you hear what was called and tell the receivers involved in that play to go in (having set before who would be in on what pass play)? Or, does Norv say, "Send in Thrash" to you, and then he calls the play?

Terry Robiskie: No, we have certain plays designed for certain players. And whenever Coach calls a play, I try to make sure the correct people are in the game.

Alexandria, Virginia: Coach,
As a former coach of Trent Green's, how would you evaluate his performance? He looked pretty good - just rushed. Do you anticipate seeing him in the NFC again next year? Has he progressed since leaving or is it just the weapons (who looked surprisingly mortal last night) around him?

Terry Robiskie: Of course, Trent has proven to be an outstanding quarterback. Now, it's difficult for me to say if he will be in the NFC or not next year. That situation is a little too far removed for me to decide. And it is difficult for me to say that their receivers look mortal last night. I saw a lot of guys running wide open, making some big catches.

Suitland, MD: Coach Robiskie
Congratulations on one of the greatest wins in Coach Turner's tenure here. The players deserve much praise for playing their hearts out, and the coaches deserve the same for developing an outstanding game plan. All three phases were in synch.
What is the schedule this week, considering it's a short one and how will the Thanksgiving holiday play into your preparations for the huge game with the Eagles? Thank goodness it's at home and the place will be a-rockin!

Terry Robiskie: Yes, we will need to have that stadium rocking this weekend. This whole week will go by extremely fast. We'll get a very good practice in tomorrow, a very early practice on Thursday, and before you know it, Sunday will be here. So I think we'll have two to three good days of preparation and we'll be ready by Sunday.

Alexandria, VA: Coach,
What a great game you coached! Jeff George and the passing game looked esp. sharp - so kudos! My question is how do you coach a guy like George, who seems to be able to throw in almost any position - off balance, falling, on the run, standing in the pocket? What do you tell a guy like that? Sonny & Sam said you don't coach him, you just tell him the plays - b/c nobody else can do what he does. Is that true?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, it is. I agree with Sonny and Sam. He's a guy you just tell the play to, tell him what we expect from the defense and then you leave him alone.

Reston, VA: What are the strenghths and weaknesses of the Eagels corners and safties?

Terry Robiskie: I think the strength is their ability to play man-for-man coverage either from an off position or a press position. I think their weakness is that with all the linebacker blitzes, they leave their corners on an island for most of the game. And that's a difficult position, to be out there by yourself the majority of the game.

Annandale, VA: On the issue with minorities and coaching, it seems the problem exists in the college ranks as well. Have you ever considered being a head coach for a major progam, something like Alabama? P.S. We don't want to see you go, but you can't keep a good man down for long!

Terry Robiskie: I think I would have to jump at the opportunity to be the head of a major program at a college. Remember, a few years ago I interviewed with LSU and trust me, I wanted that job. But it didn't happen. So be it.

Landover, MD: Of course, you won the game and that takes some of the sheen off; but, having seen the STL offense up close, on turf, did they look like they had a little extra something that allows them to score so much? I mean, I thought JT and AC were fast too; but we don't score as much. Is it the turf? Or, the shoes (a joke :)
Now that you've seen it in person, and I know you to be a good judge, do they look good?

Terry Robiskie: They look exceptional. They are a very quick and very fast football team. I'm happy we won that one and got out alive.

Washington, D.C.: Coach,
If you're practicing on Thursday - are you gonna' get a chance to get any turkey and stuffing?
This Thursday, please know that we'll all be thankful for the team's win and your efforts in it. Happy Thanksgiving, coach!

Terry Robiskie: Thanks a million. It's always great to hear from such a positive and supportive fan. Yes, I will get some turkey on Thursday. It may be a true candlelight dinner, like midnight under the candlelight, but I will get some turkey. You have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and please make sure you help us win this weekend. Hey, thanks for writing. You're the last question for the day. And it's fun to finish with such a positive question.

washingtonpost.com: Thanks for joining us. Airing It Out will be back next week in its usual Friday at 3 time slot. Happy Thanksgiving and see you then.