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

Terry Robiskie, the Redskins' passing game coordinator, discussed the Redskins' heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the opening game of the season on Sept. 12. Robiskie said that the mood around Redskin Park is anything but jovial but he expects the team to be prepared to take on the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 18.

Robiskie is scheduled to be on Sports Online every Tuesday throughout the season. In the event that the Redskins' practice schedule does not permit him to be on Sports Online at the designated time on Tuesdays, he will join us on Fridays.

The transcript of this week's discussion follows.

Bowie, Md: Give an overall assessment of how the receiving corps performance on Sunday, and are plans being made to incorporate more of Irvin Fryar into the game plan?

Terry Robiskie: I think as a whole that we played pretty good. I think Westbrook came up with 1 or 2 big plays that helped us and Albert Connell contributed with big plays. Irving Fryar will get more playing time each week but nothing special is being prepared for him.

Arlington, Va.: Looking ahead to the rematch on October 24, what will the offense do differently against the Cowboys, especially after the most likely return of Deion Sanders.

Terry Robiskie: October 24th is too far away for me to even think about it, I can't even see September 24th.

Washington, D.C.: Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell seemed to do well against the depleted secondary of Dallas. How do you think they'll fair against the top notch defensive backs in the league? Also, how is Irving Fryar going to blend into the mix?

Terry Robiskie: I think Albert and Michael will continue to grow each week regardless of the secondary. I think by having Brad Johnson it will heighten their game each week. I think both receivers can play and play well at this level and they should continue to improve each week. Each week Irving Fryar should receive more playing time. We should work him in gradually and we will.

Washington, D.C.: Coach Robiskie, since an offense is only as good as its ability to get a first down when it has to, how do you rate -letter grade- the skins offense in the opening game? Thanks

Terry Robiskie: I'm not sure the offense is judged by its ability to get a first down. I think it is judged by its ability to score points. I think the first game we showed signs of a good offense but two turnovers in the red zone hurt us. With Brad Johnson as quarterback I like our offense and I like our chances.

Dayton, Ohio: Where was Stephen Alexander Sunday? I think I only heard his name called once all day. Was he covered well, or was he kept in to block?

Terry Robiskie: It was a combination of the two. Of course, he was going against the best strong safety in football. And a lot of times he was double covered by the strong safety and a linebacker which did open the offense for other players such as Michael Westbrook on the long touchdown.

Tysons Corner, Va.: Hope you get a special "sacrificial lamb" bonus for coming on line today!

I was impressed with Westbrook's performance Sunday. In the past, one of the many criticisms of Westbrook was his lack of effort on plays when he is not the #1 receiver. Is this still a problem?

Terry Robiskie: No. I think Mike played pretty good as the number 1, 2 or 3 receiver. I think it all works hand and in hand when we get him started with a few balls early. He works hard and fast. If he doesn't get a ball early in the game he tends to become lackadaisical but that's normal for great receivers.

Chevy Chase, Md.: How do the Redskins receivers match up against the Giants secondary and will Jason Sehorn be available for the game?

Terry Robiskie: I hope Jason Sehorn is not available and we should match up pretty good. I like the match up of any of our receivers against their DB's. Jason Sehorn is their best DB and if he isn't playing it's a plus for us.

Arlington, Va.: Sorry I have to put you on the spot but I must know this. In your opinion, who's fault was it for that botched field goal? Should Matt have caught that snap? It seems to me that when we need to have something big from him, he appears to blow it with a horrendous kick or a botched handling of the snap. Your thoughts?

Terry Robiskie: It's difficult to say who's fault it was but yes, Matt should have caught the snap.

Dallas, Tx.: With the loss on Opening Day, what is the mood of the players? Are they ready for next Sunday against the Giants?

Terry Robiskie: Today as we speak no, we are not ready. By Sunday, I think we will be. The mood is that of defeat, whipped and exhaustion, everyone feels like we put so much into winning that first game that it is a tough loss to swallow. We however, must bounce back before Sunday and we will.

Washington D.C.: First of all, congratulations on the fine job you have done with the redskins young receiving corps. so far they have far exceeded many peoples expectations. How much do you think that youth, inexperience and lack of team cohesiveness have to do with the loss to Dallas on sunday?

Terry Robiskie: I don't think it was youth, inexperience or a lack of cohesiveness that cost us the game. I think it was more like two or three critical mistakes in all phases of the game. Offensively, we had two critical turnovers that hurt us. Defensively, we had two or three coverage breakdowns that hurt us. Special teams we had two mental lapses, one the onside kick and two the botched field goal that cost us. None of those can be attributed to youth or lack of cohesiveness.

Dayton, Ohio: To me, it appeared that Michael Westbrook was dominating Sunday's game. Is Westbrook, judging by his performance on Sunday, finally running the correct routes, or is this a tribute to the "new" Westbrook's attitude?

Terry Robiskie: I think it's a combination of the two. Like I said before Mike is coming off of his first full season of training camp and pre-season games. He is in better shape physically and mentally. So yes, it can be attributed to both his route running and his more attention to little details.

Arlington, Va.: With the play of Connell and Westbrook, have talks with the Seahawks died down with regards to Joey Galloway?

Terry Robiskie: I have no idea. I,of course coach the position so I am never involved in trades.

Derwood, Md.: The Redskins have under performed for a long time and need to really study the obstacles that are present in preventing them from winning. What are they?

In the best of all worlds how would you address them?

Terry Robiskie: I think we have continued to study those things that stop us from winning. Of course, we do continue to address those issues, such as two fumbles inside the ten, such as two blown coverages and a botched snap from the center on a field goal try. The only thing we can do is continue to address those issues not only by talking about them but by continuing to work on those items.

Herndon, Va.: Is coaching the correct area to attribute the mental mistakes and lack of attention to detail -costly penalties, poor special teams- that ultimately cost us the game? If not, then where do the Redskins attribute the mental part of the game?

Terry Robiskie: Of course you must first attribute it to us, the coaches. It is our duty to make sure mental mistakes and mental lapses do not happen. But as a former player, I too, realize that each player must be held accountable.

Richmond, Va.: As much as I was extremely disappointed in the play of the defense, I was extremely impressed with the offense, especially the wide receivers. If Albert Connell can perform like this every week, he can be a Pro Bowl player. What do you see as each receiver's role throughout the season? Connell primarily as the deep threat? Westbrook and Fryar primarily as the possession receivers?

Terry Robiskie: No, I see each receiver playing the same role they played Sunday. Getting in the game and making plays. Lets not forget Westbrook had 159 yards receiving this weekend. So lets not make him just a possession receiver.

Tysons Corner, Va.: If you could pick any receivers currently in the league, who would your dream-corp be?

How about your dream receivers past and present?

Terry Robiskie: Well, I would guess Michael Irvin and Jerry Rice would be high on that list.

Herndon, Va.: Why do you think that the Redskins have had such bad luck with QBs in the recent past, and, do you think the trend has finally shifted up with the acquisition of Brad Johnson?

Terry Robiskie: I think the problems in the past all stemmed from the quarterbacks were too young. And yes, I do believe Brad Johnson is the answer.

Boston, Ma.: Coach, of all the criticism that has been made about Sunday's game, not much attention has been given to the fact that much of the team's starting secondary was out with cramps at critical moments late in the game. How much of that would you attribute to insufficient conditioning, fluid intake during the game, or the inability of the offense to sustain drives in the 4th quarter which kept the defense on the field longer on a hot day late in the game?

Terry Robiskie: I think a lot can be attributed to a lack of fluid intake. I think we are in condition however, some guys forgot to drink their fluids. Albert Connell being one of those guys that can also be attributed to youth.

Centreville, Va.: I've always admired your straight-shooting, no B.S. attitude. I'm glad to see it come across here, too!

Any aspirations about being a head coach one day?

Terry Robiskie: That is one of my few aspirations. I would love to one day have that opportunity.

Washington D.C.: After the performance of the receivers this weekend, do you feel there is still a need to fill deficits personnel wise and does this mean Connell is still on the trading block?

Terry Robiskie: Well, again I am never a part of the trading process so I cannot say if Albert ever was on the block. However, if a good player becomes available and we have an opportunity to go get him I hope we do.

Lanham, Md.: Coach, I read yesterday, that Stephen Davis had a contusion to one of his knees. Will he be able to play against the Giants and do you see Davis as a 1,000 yard rusher this year?

Terry Robiskie: Well it's only the first game of the season and it's only 100 yards rushing. I am more trying to prepare to get a win than being concerned with Stephen getting 1000 yards. I would hope and pray that Stephen Davis stays healthy and hopefully rushes for 2000 yards. The contusion was nothing more than the normal bump or bruise from the normal play of the game.

Columbia, Md.: Which pass route does Brad Johnson throw the best? Who does he have the best timing with, receivers-wise? Who is the Redskin's "go to guy?"

Terry Robiskie: I think Brad throws the outcut the best. I think today,he is well timed up with Albert Connell. As for the go to guy I feel comfortable with 3,4 or even 5 guys. I have no fear to win a game in going to Michael Westbrook, Albert Connell, Stephen Alexander, Larry Centers, or Brian Mitchell and even Irving Fryar in certain situations.

Gaithersburg, Md.: First of all, I though our passing game was aggressive, and very effective for most of the game. What did Dallas do different in the fourth quarter that stalled our pass attempts? And how will you rectify that for future games, when other teams have seen this game's film?

Terry Robiskie: We will of course change up our game plan on a weekly basis. Dallas made some key defensive adjustments at half time and with that made some nice defensive plays.

Rockville, Md.: Would acquiring Mr. Warick from FSU be worth surrendering all of our 2000 first-round picks, if necessary? Thanks.

Terry Robiskie: Well I am the receivers coach. What do you think I will say? Of course, give them all up for a great receiver.

Hagerstown, Md.: The health of Brad Johnson is everybody's concern. How able do you feel Rodney Peete will be if he is needed?

Terry Robiskie: I think Rodney Peete is very capable. He is an experienced guy who is very sharp and is used to playing. I would hate for Brad to go down but I think Rodney could win for us.

Malibu, Ca.: Hiya Terry.
Life-long Redskins fan out here in L.A. Still love and support the team even after that gut-wrenching loss.
However the only thing I can say after losing a game like that -'specially to the Cowpokes-, is that they have GOT to go to N.Y. and absolutely DEMOLISH the Giants. Even an "average" win shouldn't be tolerated, and God forbid, a loss should get just about the entire staff booted. Would you agree with this assessment? Good luck!!

Terry Robiskie: First of all, its tough to understand your statement about being a life long fan then stating that you still support us after the loss on Sunday. As a life long fan how can you even question your support after one loss. About New York, I just want a win. I could care less if it's 3-0. As a fan, YOU may need the score to be 50-0. I only need a win. And for your assessment of how the staff should be treated if we lose Sunday of course I disagree. If you follow football you might remember last season the New York Jets lost their first two games then proceeded on to the AFC championship game. But it's your opinion that the staff should have been fired after the second game. So let's just play the game Sunday and see what happens.

washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have today. Thanks to Coach Robiskie for coming on. Join us on Sports Online next week for another discussion with Coach Robiskie.