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

Terry Robiskie, the Redskins' passing game coordinator, discussing Sunday's rout of the Giants and Washington's next opponent, the New York Jets, said the Redskins have to guard against feeling too confident.

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.

Rockville, Md.: Brian Mitchell said on his radio show last night that you delivered a pre-game speech to the offense or the receivers on Sunday saying "NEVER LET UP!!" He said if things go the way we want them to this year, you deserve the credit for really getting them focused. He said you said, " If you think they're dead, help 'em up and kill 'em again!" He also said the offense spent the day in spring the defense with that message.

Did you get clearance from Norv to do this or was this a standard pre-game speech you give that just sunk in or was it a rarity for you to deliver it?

I was amazed to hear this because Brian Mitchell is one who always says he does not need any motivation or pep rally to get ready for a game, he can do it himself. For him to say your speech was AWESOME, means a lot. Tell us about it.

Terry Robiskie: Well, I will not go into a lot of detail about it, it was a spur of the moment thing, and of course I got permission from the head coach. He was in the team meeting when I asked him if I could say something. He said yes, and I said what was on my mind. If it inspired one person in the room, I am happy.

Germantown, Md.: For two straight games, Brad Johnson has done an excellent job of spreading the ball around to his receivers, backs and tight ends. What does it mean to the team to have such a good decision maker under center?

Terry Robiskie: It means the world, that is the difference in winning and losing. Look at Atlanta, look at Denver, look at the Jets, when you lose that guy, you lose it all. Without a good quarterback pulling the trigger, most of us will struggle. Fortunately for us, Brad Johnson is an excellent quarterback. And yes, he is making the difference in the games so far.

Chantilly Va.: Terry, on third downs I think packages with both Larry Centers and Brian Mitchell in the backfield in a split-I and send them both to the flat...no two linebackers on any team could cover them both. Why don't we see more packages with them together or that package in general?

Terry Robiskie: Well, that is a good package. And, we are having fun with those two guys. However, your theory on linebackers not being able to cover both of them – we are not able to send both of them out for a pass, somebody has got to protect the quarterback, but we will continue to explore and hopefully have success.

Beaverton, Ore.: Congratulations on a great rebound game Sunday. Looking at the stats of the game, the lowest area appeared to be the Special Teams play. What's going on here? This has always been one of the more solid areas of play for the Skins. Are you going to start throwing Champ Bailey into the mix?

Terry Robiskie: As for the special teams I think the problem is we have a lot of young guys making very dumb mistakes, and of course we had better hurry and correct the problem. At this point in time, no we do not plan to use Champ Bailey. Champ is getting very comfortable on defense and he will be a great player for us over there for years to come. We do not feel a need for him on offense just yet. Maybe in the near future, we will.

Aiken, S.C.: Thank you for taking this question. And congratulations on your passing game. I know that you are neither owner nor GM, but there are a lot of one year players on the roster that are performing well. Brad Johnson, Stephen Davis, Leomont Evans, Marco Coleman and many others. Are the Redskins going to be able to keep them all after the season?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, the players you mentioned, some do have one-year contracts, and of course we will do all we can to keep them. You mentioned Brad Johnson, and I think you are incorrect with that one. I think that Brad is signed for two more years or three. Marco Coleman, Larry Centers, and the rest you mentioned, we will do all we can to keep them on the team.

Dayton, Ohio: I was, like many fans, skeptical of Michael Westbrook's preseason declaration of a new attitude. However, after two games, he's made a believer out of me. He's made some great catches, but to me the biggest play he's made so far was the block he delivered near the goal line Sunday that allowed Davis' third touchdown. Has he convinced his teammates as well as me that he can be a dominating player and a leader as well?

Terry Robiskie: He has done a tremendous job so far, and yes, the block on the Stephen Davis touchdown was a big play. However, his biggest play of the game to me, was the touchdown run. I like those touchdowns better than blocks.

Fairfax, Va.: I'm not saying it would have made a huge difference with the Giants, but does the fact that Deion Sanders, Kevin Smith and Jason Sehorn were not on the field these past two weeks mean anything? What I'm driving at is that Michael Westbrook, Albert Connell and Brad Johnson have yet to face a veteran secondary. Tony Kornheiser could have caught a couple of touchdowns with Jeremy Lincoln covering him.

Terry Robiskie: I agree. I promise you I will not lose any sleep if Tony Kornheiser lined up at corner at defensive back this weekend for the Jets. I have no pity for no team that is hurting at any position. I have no idea if you have ever played defensive back, but if the Jets lined up with you, this weekend, we are coming after you, so get ready.

Philadelphia, Pa.: Your offensive game against the Giants was spectacular, in my humble opinion. But as a coach what was there that you saw that could be improved for Sunday against the other New York team, the Jets.

Terry Robiskie: I think during the game we had one or two mental breakdowns on offense that need to be corrected. Hopefully we will get that done before this weekend. If we do, we will continue to be a good offense.

Alexandria Va.: The Jets present the biggest challenge so far, correct?

Terry Robiskie: No. Dallas did. I think that Dallas being a division opponent, being an excellent football team with an excellent quarterback, and an excellent offensive line, presented the biggest problem. The Jets are a very good group, however, for us in that they do not know us as well as the Dallas Cowboys and they do not see us as often. The biggest challenge for us so far was the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington, D.C.: What particular challenges does the offense face this week? What matchups should we look out for?

Terry Robiskie: Well, I think that the first challenge is to not have your let down after such a big game last week. The match ups to me will be Tre Johnson vs. Bryan Cox, Darrell Green vs. Keyshawn Johnson, and Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell vs. Ray Mickens and Aaron Glenn.

Fairfax, Va.: What is your opinion of the Jets' secondary? Dallas & the Giants were lacking key figures back there. What about the Jets?

Terry Robiskie: I think that the Jets are very sound with their group, they play hard within their scheme, and with the people they have. Their secondary is an experienced group and the coaches use everyone to their ability. Their two corners are very quick and fast little guys but they are never left on an island by themselves. The coaches staff do a great job of protecting their weakness.

Reston, Va.: Why did the Giants' terrible offense still score 21 points against us?

Terry Robiskie: I think a lot of their scoring had to do with the breakdowns we had on special teams. Remember they had some great field position to start some of those shorts drives.

Columbia, Md.: Terry: Congrats. on the victory. I get tired of sports media "know it alls" second guessing you, the players and the coaches every time something good or bad happens in a game. Many of these clowns have never even played the sport they cover, yet they continue to serve as "experts". What do players and coaches really feel about these fools? Do they even care at all?

Terry Robiskie: We respect those guys for the work they do, but we do not get caught up in all the things they say. We know they have a product to sell and they are doing their jobs. God Bless them.

Miami, Fla.: Coach, how are you and the rest of the coaching staff guarding against a letdown this week coming off such a spectacular win and going into a second straight game at the Meadowlands against a struggling Jets team? Can lightning strike twice?

Terry Robiskie: Yes lightning can strike twice. See we as coaches are always fighting against let downs. After the tough lost against Dallas we had to fight the feeling of giving up because we played so well and we had to make sure the players were up for the giants. Now after playing so well this weekend we have to fight the let feeling of getting cocky.

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.: Why was it that Stephen Alexander was covered well in Dallas but in New York he had a huge day with 2 touchdowns?

Terry Robiskie: Because in Dallas they have the best strong safety in football, and they were able to cover him with a linebacker and Woodson. I knew they were so afraid of Micheal Westbrook until they had to double cover him and this left Stephen one-on-one with their safety who is not as good a player as Woodson. Some times Stephen got matched with a linebacker and we were able to take advantage of this. Thanks for the question.

Fairfax, Va.: Coach, did anyone tell you that John Madden had some very nice things to say about you on Sunday during the broadcast? He said you were a great tough player and a great coach and he hopes you do well.

Great game by the way! 14 more like that and we are set!

Terry Robiskie: Yes, I heard about Madden's statements. He even gave out the nick name he had for me. That wasn't good. John drafted me in the eighth round in 1977 and I had a lot of fun playing for him. He is and always will be a friend. I love him to death.

Seymour, Ct.: Let me start by saying great game Sunday. My question is, with Michael, Albert and the rest of the receiving core playing well, do you feel there is a need to give up first round draft picks for Joey Galloway?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, of course there is a need to always get a guy like Joey Galloway. See when Micheal Jordan was playing and so was Magic Jonhson, Larry Bird and all those great ones there could never be too many on your team. Look at what they did that year in the Olympics.

Philadelphia, Pa.: Has Champ Bailey been working with the offense at this point in the season? Or was that a preseason idea that never came to fruition?

Terry Robiskie: While looking at your question I noticed you are in Philly. Now to tell you if Champ is working on offense that might be giving up a secret we have in store for your Eagles. Come to think about it, you might be related to Coach Andy Reid. Just funning. No, Champ has not been working on offense.

Rockville Md.: How do the players feel the change in ownership has affected them and the team's prospects?

Terry Robiskie: The players, like the coaches, feel the new ownership is lighting a fire under everyone. There is such life and energy in this guy and the energy is being felt by everyone throughout the organization. It is exciting.

Alexandria, Va.: In your opinion who is the best pure athlete on the team?

Terry Robiskie: In my mind there is no question who the best is: it is Micheal Westbrook. This guy can do whatever he wants if he puts his mind to it. I am not sure if Mike wanted to, but he could have played in the NBA. He is a super athlete.

Richmond, Va.: Albert Connell dropped a couple of very easy catches against the Giants. He's done that in the past as well. He seems to be able to make the spectacular, difficult catches, but the easy ones seem to get away. What is your explanation for this and what have you told him to remedy it?

Terry Robiskie: Albert has excellent hands, and yes he can make the tough catches. The problem for him is on a ball that looks easy he will sometimes relax and think 'oh no problem, I'll just put hands up and it will fall in and stay.' That is what we call a lack of concentration. He will sometimes relax too much and drop the easy ball. He often takes his eyes off he easy ball to try and run before he catches it.

Columbia, Md.: To your knowledge, have Brad Johnson, Westbrook, Connell, and S. Davis bought the offensive line dinner yet? There is little question - and no offense to your coaching ability - that the success of the line has allowed for 2 big offensive days. Do you have faith the line can hold up over the remaining 14 games?

Terry Robiskie: No, they have not taken anyone out to dinner yet. It is too early – only the second game and remember we lost one. You can not take anyone to dinner when you lose. Yes, I think our line is nice group and will get better each week. The more they play together the better they will become.

Miami, Fla.: Are you at all concerned about Michael Westbrook suffering the same kind of bulging disk injury as Moose Johnson coming off of similar neck surgery in the offseason? Is that another reason the club is interested in Joey Galloway?

Terry Robiskie: No we are not worried about Mike's neck. Like I told Mike, the minute you start to worry about what might happen, it will. We are just lining up and trying to win as many as we can and hope he stays healthy.

Rockville Md.: Why does Davis have a propensity to fumble near the endzone and what can be done to overcome this?

Terry Robiskie: I think the problem there is Steve is in such a hurry to get into the end zone he forgets you must take the ball with you. No really, I think what is happening to him is he fails to realize that once you get down there, everything tightens up and you must cover the ball better than you do when you are out in open field. He will sometimes carry the ball one handed down there in those big piles and that is not good. We will continue to work with him and tell him how important it is to hold that ball.

Md.: What does Irving Fryar provide in terms of ability, leadership, professionalism, and offensive know how that Henry Ellard couldn't provide? I would assume that Ellard could fit right in better than Fryar.

Terry Robiskie: Fryar fits in better because he is more of a outward leader. Henry was a leader in a quite way. Henry had to be playing and on the field to lead he was not a talker and verbal guy. Irving comes off the bench and will go out and make the tough catch. He will talk with the young guys on the field, in the locker and in meetings. So that is why he fits us better today. We do not really need a older guy to play just one who could lead in a verbal way.

Richmond, Va.: You mentioned Ray Mickens and Aaron Glenn. What should we look for in terms of their cover styles? Are they speed guys or are they more physical cornerbacks? And how would you characterize the Jets' safeties?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, these two corners are speed guys. They are not the bigger physical type. I would like to say they could run with anyone in this league but I can't because I just finished looking at their game last year with Seattle and they both had problems keeping up with Joey Galloway. However these guys will press us with help over he top by their two safeties. The two safeties are biggger physical type players. Atwater is a Pro Bowl safety and we should have our hands full with these guys.

Seymour, Ct.: Good game Sunday. With the way Michael, Albert and the rest of the receiving core are playing, do you feel there is still a need to give up two first round draft picks for Joey Galloway? Also, how do you think we match up against the Jets.

Terry Robiskie: No, there is no need to give up two number one draft picks for Joey and I do not think we would do that. Maybe one but not two. I think we match up pretty good vs. the Jets. I think they like to play press at the line of scrimmage and we love that challenge.

Alexandria, Va.: I notice while watching a few minutes of Atlanta game last night – of course it was pointed out by Boomer – they way the center controls the ball snaps. Could this be something we see the Skins use to cut back on false starts?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, that is exactly what happened to us in our game vs. Dallas. The center has a way he pulls the ball under himself than right before he snaps it he pushes it out. Our guys thought that when he was pushing it he was snapping it and we moved. We should be better prepared for that next time and hopefully we won't jump.

Malibu, Calif.: Looking ahead at the season – and knowing, of course, that EVERY team is tough, and so forth – are there any games in particular that are sort of "circled" or a little more "key" than others?
Thanks!

Terry Robiskie: Yes, every game is very important and we do circle some games – the division ones. It is always most importan to win your division than any other game. Hey, how is everything in California? With our rain here, I kind of wish I was there. Still have a house there if you are looking to buy one. Take care and thanks for writing.

Laurel, Md.: Great job from the offensive line, especially Jon Jansen. Can we expect to see great performances from Westrbrook and Connell week in and week out? How have you seen their progression over the season, and do you think they will perform as well against the Jets? Thanks for taking time to answer my question.

Terry Robiskie: Yes, the offensive line did a great job. I do think we can do this each and every week. Of course, some games will be tougher than others but I think we can. The receivers are getting better and better every day and I think we can continue to perform well on a weekly bases. I look forward to the game this week vs. the Jets. They are a good secondary.

Reston, Va: Is the pass rush up to expectations, or can we expect improvements in that area?

Terry Robiskie: No, I do not think the pass rush is where we want it to be but the good thing is, it is getting better each game and I think it will get even better.

Washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have today. Thanks to Coach Robiskie for coming on. Join us again next week on Airing It Out With Terry Robiskie.