Terry Robiskie, left, and receiver Michael Westbrook. (Post File Photo)

Terry Robiskie, the Redskins' passing game coordinator and special guest Michael Westbrook, in this week's edition of Airing It Out, said that the Redskins don't need Seattle receiver Joey Galloway.

The duo also talked about Sunday's win over the New York Jets and Washington's next opponent, the Carolina Panthers. The transcript of the discussion follows.

washingtonpost.com: Welcome back to Airing It Out. Thanks to Terry Robiskie for joining us. We've got a bunch of questions so let's get to it.

Washington D.C.: Hi Mr. Robiskie.

An article in the Post this morning discussed the fact that "talk of the playoffs is all around" for the Redskins. Do you think it's good for the Redskins to be talking about the playoffs right now? Confidence, and aspiring for the absolute best are both good things. But do you think the team may be getting ahead of themseleves a bit? Shouldn't they just "focus on staying focused" right now?

Thanks in advance for your candid answer!

Terry Robiskie: Yes, I agree its too early to began talking about playoffs. Any news articles coming out are not coming from here. We know it's too early and I promise you we will not allow the team to start talking playoffs, just taking them one at a time.

Charlottesville, Va.: Why isn't James Thrash used at all in the receiving rotation?
He could be a great receiver if he was given the chance. He would probably be more productive than Irving Fryar is right now.

Terry Robiskie: Yes, James Thrash does have a chance to become a good receiver – great like you said, I am not sure. I today do not think James is ready – I think he still has a lot to learn. Of course, this past weekend he would have been more productive than Irvin Fryar. We did not attempt a pass to Irvin. James will become a good player, I just don't think he is ready today.

Alexandria, Va.: Thank you for making it fun to be a Redskins fan again. You are doing a hell of a job, and hopefully getting the recognition you deserve.

What are the key match ups this week?

Terry Robiskie: As the receivers coach, I always think the key matchup is the recivers vs. their defensive backs. Again I think it is Westbrook and Connell vs. Davis and their secondary. Happy to make you glad to be a Skins fan again.

Severn, Md.: In your opinion, what is it going to take for special teams to improve. Missed tackles, poor field position are keeping our opponents in the game. I'd like to see the Redskins go after the punter more. If there is an area where the Redskins are vunerable, its the special teams.

Terry Robiskie: I agree about the teams. I think what it is going to take is a lot of players making up their minds they are here to play special teams and just going out and doing that job. We will need to upgrade those guys if they are not getting the job done.

Washington, D.C.: Terry,
With Brad Johnson playing as well as he has do you forsee any major problems for Brad against Carolina's defense?

Terry Robiskie: The only problems I see for Brad is us continuing to protect him. If we can do that, than he will be just fine. Enjoy the game.

Los Angeles, Calif.: Hello Terry. I am still a loyal Redskin fan although I have been living on the West Coast for 13 years.

Don't be to shy to give another pre-game speech. I kind of missed those 50 points this game. Seriously, though, I know that you are dealing with professional players, but when does one decide it to be appropiate to try to verbally inspire the troops? Norv doesn't seem to like to engage with that kind of thing. He seems more cerebral and gentel and less demonstrative and passionate.

Terry Robiskie: Hello, Los Angeles. How is it out there? I kind of miss it from my days with the Raiders. Well, to step up and give a speech it is not for me to do. I had something come over me for the Giants game and I did what I thought was necessary. If I get the feeling again, I guess I will do it again. Trust me, I am not shy.

Bethesda, Md.: I heard John Madden praising you on Sunday. Looks like the Jets were expecting run, when you decided to throw the ball. Even right up the middle. Is that planned ahead of time, or audiblized at the line of scrimmage?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, it's always the plan – try to run when they expect pass and try to pass when the are looking for the run. Yes, John Madden drafted me out of college and I had a great time playing for him.

Silver Spring, MD: What a win! Albert was terrific but I wondered what happened on the fade pass in the end zone. Connell went inside and Brad threw out. Thanks.

Terry Robiskie: What do you mean what happened? You just described what happenned. Brad saw a blitz coming and threw the ball outside and Albert expected it inside. As we say, a missed communication. We will get back to work and correct it. I promise.

Arlington, Va.: Besides B. Johnson's leadership and confidence, isn't it nice for the receivers to have a guy who can make all the throws? It seems like Gus Frerotte and occasionally Trent Green had trouble – Gus with the long ball and Trent with the outs. I like the way Brad gets the ball to people so they can make a play.

Terry Robiskie: It's a great feeling for the receivers to be able to work with a guy they feel can make all the throw. Brad is an excellent quarterback and the guys love working with him.

Frederick, Md.: Does the team have any plans to use Champ Bailey or James Thrash on kick returns? It seems that Brian Mitchell is getting caught a lot.

Terry Robiskie: At this time, there is no thought of using Champ on kickoff return – his is too important on defense. Lets remember what happened to Jason Sehorn last year. James Thrash is already back there on kickoff returns. Maybe one day they will kick to his side.
Thanks for the question.

Washington, D.C.: I know you are an offensive guy - but I have to ask you this. The offense is No. 1, the defense is No. 31. First and last. How can the defense be so bad, practicing against an offense so good? Does the offense score every time against the defense in practice? If not, what are they doing differently in the games? In essence, can the offense somehow improve the defense, in practice, perhaps?

Terry Robiskie: We on offense run some of the same plays as other teams. It's just a matter of the defense getting on the same page with what they are doing. With each game we should see improvement and I think we will. But yes, we do work them hard in practice trying to make them better.

Middletown Md.: Terry, can you clear this up once and for all: can Albert Connell beat Darrell Green in a foot race or what?

Terry Robiskie: Not even a chance. Darrell would beat him by about four steps in a head to head race. To be honest, Darrell would beat him ten out of ten times. Trust me.

Fairfax, Va..: I was listening to Mark May on a radio show a few weeks ago and he said that you should be the next head coach of the Redskins if Norv was canned. Of course, this was right after the Dallas loss and things have changed since then. My question is - Do you aspire to be a head coach in the NFL?

Terry Robiskie: Thanks for that bit of information about Mark May. I will mention that to him next time I see him. Yes, I have a lot of desire to become a head coach. Maybe one day. I do wish to say, however, I do not aspire enough to want to lose so someone will get fired for me to get the job. I want it to be a case where we win it all and someone to call and offer me a head job.

Frederick, Md.: Do you have any thoughts on what might have precipitated the seemingly 100% turn around in attitude and professionlism we have seen out of Mr. Westbrook this year. I have always thought he has been unfairly criticized at times, but even I must say he has really impressed me with his focus and leadership on the field this year. Thank you.

Terry Robiskie: He, like a lot on kids on this team, is growning up. Most of it has to do with the quarterback. He is making everyone around him grow up. Yes, Mike has been talked bad about when he was not wrong, but that's life. Take care and write again.

Washington, D.C.: As an average fan, it appears to me that most defenses in the NFL are about the same in terms of the schemes they use -player talent is obviously very different-. Is this correct, or is there more going on that we don't see? Thanks, love your chat!

Terry Robiskie: Yes, most of the defenses are the same. The people they use are different and that's what makes them strong or weak.

New York, N.Y.: Hi Terry, I'm a D.C. native who has been in heaven for the past two weeks thanks to your superb coaching! My question is: do you try to prepare your guys to go after the likes of Ray Mickens or Jeremy Lincoln or is that something that just happens as the game progresses?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, whenever you go into a form of battle, always study your opponent and attack their weakness, find out where they are hurting and attack there, thats my belief. Yes, it has worked the past two weeks. Lets continue. Thanks for writing.

Washington, D.C.: Now that Joey Galloway is available will the Redskins go after him? And why do they call you Biscuit?

Terry Robiskie: I cannot say if we will continue to go after Joey. I think right now Albert is playing well and we are having success.

Biscuit is just a nickname John Madden called me when I was with the Raiders because my name was Robiskie and he did not want to say that.

Potomac, Md.: Terry, previews before the year graded the receiving corps as one of the worst in the league, with the way they re playing, is there a limit to what they can do, especially what Mike Westbrook can do?

Terry Robiskie: No, there is no limit to what Mike can get done this year. He is looking forward to haveing a great year. See, those guys that do the rating very seldom have a clue. We'll see at the end of the year.

washingtonpost.com: Wide receiver Michael Westbrook has joined Terry Robiskie and will be with us for the next 15 minutes.

Silver Spring, Md.: After what happened to Vinny Testaverde and Jamal Anderson, were you worried about the artificial turf? Glad you're playing on grass again. Good luck on Sunday.

Terry Robiskie: Yes, we're very glad to be back on grass. Turf is part of the game and we just adjust to having to play on that stuff, but grass is the best.

Annandale, Va.: First, kudos to the offensive staff for managing the most potent offense in the NFL! Second, however, I am curious about the Redskins defense. While sacks and the turnover ratio are improved from last year, the Skins are giving up yardage and points at a phenomenal rate -even to an anemic offensive team like the Giants-. Are there any plans for tightening up the "D" or are we going to have to score 50 points a game to guarrantee victory?

Terry Robiskie: I hope we don't have to score 50 points a game to win but yes, I think the defense will pick it up down the road.

Washington, D.C.: I was a fan of Michael Westbrook at Colorado University when I attended there, and was very dissapointed to have to watch his behavior the last few years. However, I agree with the above message that his attitude has changed tenfold. It's nice to see him come into his own.

Michael Westbrook: This is Michael Westbrook and yes, sorry for some early behavior. However, just like coach said, a lot of blame that came my way was wrong. However, as a man, I've accepted and let it go. Now it's time to move on, play football and do the things I enjoy. Thanks.

Bethesda, MD: Do you think that Michael Westbrook has finally matured enough to be a great receiver in the NFL?

Michael Westbrook: This is Michael Westbrook himself, and yes, I think I have grown enough to become a dominating receiver in this league. Hey, I know you wanted coach to answer this but I just happenned to drop by and I thought I would answer you. Thanks for writing.

Upper Marlboro, Md.: In Sunday's game, there was on penalty that sticks out in my mind: the Skins were driving for a score when the offense was called for illigal motion – two men moving and one not set for one count prior to the snap of the ball. What causes Johnson to snap the ball prior to the receives & backs to be set? Or to ask it another way, why aren't they set before Johnson snaps the ball?

Michael Westbrook: What happened on the play you are talking about was that I was getting set in my spot when the fullback went in motion. Why Brad didn't see this is because with someone going in motion, Brad never has to look – he knows where we are going. It's up to us to move and get set. The fullback did not wait for me to set up and I guess I did not set up fast enough. We'll correct it this week, sorry.

washingtonpost.com: Noticed that you're usually the first person to congratulate Stephen Davis in the endzone -- which is pretty often nowadays. Has all that ugliness between you and him from a couple years back – is that all behind you guys now? And do you all have a name for that goofy dance Davis does in the endzone now?

Michael Westbrook: No, all that is gone. And yes, we too call it the Ugly Dance. We are working with him to please get a new dance. Hopefully, he will be dancing a lot more as the season goes on. Thanks for asking

Manassas, Va.: Hello Terry,

I was struck by a comment Michael Westbrook made after the Giant's game. He said that he and some other players got together and went out together and that it was the first time he could remember doing anything like that with the team. He also said nobody even talked to him his first 2 years -!-

It seems obvious to me that this kind of "outside of work" interaction has a positive impact on players' ability to work together and win as a team. That attitude was prevalent during the Gibbs era.

Why haven't we seen this before? What's different this season?

Thanks for taking time to host this discussion.

Terry Robiskie: Yes, Mike did make that statement. I think the reason things are different this year is that everyone is growning together as a team. The players are having more fun and everyone is not sitting around looking over their shoulders wondering and worring about a job. When you are young as a team, you spend a lot of time worring about your job and not thinking about having fun. Now, it is about having fun.

Damascus MD: Michael – It's interesting that both you and Stephen Davis have really emerged as dominant front line players this year. Does what happened in camp a couple of years ago affect things either positively or negatively now that both of you are sort of front and center?

Michael Westbrook: No, what happened in camp is over and behind us. Stephen came up to me in camp and told me how he is looking to me for leadership this year and he appreciated a comment I made about how I don't want people to look at what I say, just look at what I do. Stephen then told me he wants to be the same way. At this point I noticed how our releationship began to grow in the right direction. Thanks for asking.

Silver Spring, Md.: Dear Mike,

Thanks for doing what you do – we've known it all along and when we forgot, Terry has reminded us – and being here in Washington. Have a great game Sunday.

Michael Westbrook: Thanks for your support, continue please. Thank you.

Reston, Va.: Michael,
Great job this year. I have really noticed a difference in your pass routes, especially the hitch. You and Johnson have a good thing going there. Do you attribute that to rededication to the game? Or has Irvin Fryar and Terry had some influence in your improved routes?

Michael Westbrook: Hey, that word rededication kind of gets to me. I do not remember losing my dedication. But yes, Brad and myself are working hard to get on the same page and each week we are getting better and better. What is this about my hitch route?! That's my worst route. You must have been watching the Steelers game. I am a long ball hitter – don't tag me with a hitch route as my best. Thanks for writing. See you on sunday.

Md.: Coach, we all know who the fastest Redskin is. My question is, who is the fastest OFFENSIVE player? And how close is that player to Darrell Green?

Terry Robiskie: Albert Connell is supposed to be. He is about four steps behind Darrell, but if you see him, don't tell him I said so. I am his coach and I am supposed to say he is the fastest guy. Thanks!

Herndon, Va: I feel Micheal has the same physical abilities of Randy Moss. How do you think Micheal stacks up against Randy?

Terry Robiskie: Randy, of course, is a good player and I think mike can be the same impact player. Of course, last year Randy was having a great year and the team was feeding him. You know, like when Micheal Jordan got hot, they feed him the ball. Well, we have never been a team to do this with Mike, but I think if we did get on a roll and Mike got hot, we could do the same thing with Mike. Do I think Mike could catch twenty touchdowns? Of course. Now, since he is sitting here looking over my shoulder and I don't want his head to swell, I will say I would take Randy over him but please don't let him know I said that.

JUST KIDDING. MIKE A GOOD PERSON AND A GOOD PLAYER. MY SHIP WILL SINK WITH ME AND MIKE ON IT IF IT HAS TOO.

Arlington, VA: Terry, the passing game has been impressive. I'm a bit leery about benching a starter in favor of Galloway -if acquired-. Are there plans to switch to an old Joe Gibbs type offense -1 RB, 3 WR, no fullback-? Paying Galloway huge amounts of money for not starting, or rewarding Connell for good play with benching him for a new player sounds like a really bad idea to me... Please comment.

Terry Robiskie: I agree we could not bench a starter. So, for that reason, there is no reason to go give up a one for Joey. No, I do not think we would become a three wideout or four wideout team. Now, if we do, then let's go get him.

Potomac, Md.: Mike and Terry, how do you feel about possibly signing Joey Galloway?

Michael Westbrook: If you can assure me we would become a three or four wideout team then I say let's go get him. If not, we don't need him.

Washington, D.C.: How much of a connection to the Redskins of the past do you guys feel? In this town everyone thinks back to the eras of George Allen and Joe Gibbs. Do you have that sense, or do you feel the need to establish yourselves as a new Redskins team with your own personality?

Michael Westbrook: I think this city loves the old Skins, like Coach Allen and Coach Gibbs. It's time for us to establish a new image now – with a new owner, new quarterback, a couple of new players. Let's go establish ourselves.

Md.: Michael, who was it that you went after in the Jets game after they messed with Stephen Alexander, and what was up with that?

Michael Westbrook: I don't remember, but as long as it was a Jet, I don't care. See, my team is my family and I will do whatever I have to to protect the family.

Fairfax, Va.: Michael,
I really got excited seeing the 'fun bunch' high five after scoring! Was this something you planned in the off season? Thanks.

Michael Westbrook: No, we started last year. The 360 part is something we incoroporated this offseason. We'll see if we can get you a few more before the year is up. Thanks for writing.

Atlanta, Ga.: Mike, who is the toughest DB in the league?

Michael Westbrook: When Deion is healthy it's him. If not, it's Darrell Green. All the others, I try to get after.

Baltimore, MD: Brad Johnson said shortly before the beginning of the season that his knee was not quite 100%. It seems to be now, is it?

Terry Robiskie: It is okay, but it's not 100%. We would just like to keep him around 90% for the year.

Columbia, MD: Okay guys, tell the truth. Did you get upset at the defense when you torched Dallas for 35 points then they lost it for you? Great year so far keep it up!

Terry Robiskie: I will tell you the truth but you must promise not to tell them: Hell yes, we got upset. But let me say this to you: we got upset at oursleves this weekend for only scoring 27.

washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have on Airing It Out With Terry Robiskie. A special thanks to Michael Westbrook for stopping by and answering questions with Terry Robiskie. Join us on Sports Online where The Post's Richard Justice is discussing the Baltimore Orioles and all of baseball's pennant races.