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

Terry Robiskie, the Redskins' passing game coordinator, discussing Sunday's win against the Carolina Panthers and Washington's next opponent, the Arizona Cardinals, said that Brad Johnson is the key to the Redskins offense.

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.

Williamstown, Mass.: For the first time in his tenure as a head coach, Norv Turner is finding a way to win. I have always thought that Norv is a good coach and a great offensive mind, is he now a great head coach? What is the biggest factor in his transition from a good coach to a winning coach? pressure from Mr. Snyder? a great quaterback? or is it help from the studly Terry Robiskie?

P.S. Thanks for the exciting game vs. the Jets last week. I drove four hours to see the game and you all made it well worth the drive.

Terry Robiskie: Well, thanks for driving and I am extremely glad that we were able to win one for you. The difference in Norv this season is Brad Johnson, Jon Jansen, Andy Heck, Albert Connell, and all of the improved players. The guys are making wonderful plays which make all of us look better. I would like to believe it's Terry Robiskie, but I know that it isn't. Thanks for writing.

Takoma Park, Md.: Terry, how well have the two recievers performed on their run-blocking duties? are they coming off the line hard every play? And finally, the ten yard hitch route works almost every time when the team needs a big first down in the fourth quarter, Albert Connell did it in the Jets game and Westbrook put the team in field goal range on the final pass play sunday, why don't we see this play used more on the first series of games just to get a rythym going? defenses can't seem to stop it. good-luck and keep having fun.

Terry Robiskie: We do use it often, sometimes to start the game, but as you notice in critical situations we go to it. If we begin to use it too often, defenses will begin to sit on it and defend it a lot better. Thank you.

Severn, Md.: Congratulations on an awesome offensive performance. It was nice to see Irving Fryar make two key receptions late in the 4th quarter. Are there plans to use him more extensively after the bye week or just continue as is with Albert and Mike?

Terry Robiskie: Well, like you said, we are having good output from the offense. You know the old theory, " if it isn't broke, do not fix it." So, for that reason, you will not see Irving a lot more.

Arlington, VA: My husband is a fanatical fan of Stephan Alexander and stipulates that he is "Pro Bowl" material if he can keep healthy. What is the coaching perception of Alexander?

Terry Robiskie: Exactly the same. Stephen can be the best tight end in the NFL if he stays healthy and continues to improve every week.

Manassas, VA: It is almost universally acknowledged that the defense is the weakest link in the Redskins armor. Some blame Nolan, others the players.

What is the attitude of the offensive players towards the defensive players and the coaching staff? Could continued defensive shortcomings lead to disunity and negative vibes among teammates?

Terry Robiskie: I hope not, today I do not think so. I think that the offense is developing an attitude of whatever it takes. I think that the offense is too concerned with ourselves to begin evaluating the defense. So, hopefully no dissension will come up.

Collge Park, Md.: Michael Westbrook and Stephen Davis - do they get along now or is the relationship cool and strictly professional?

Terry Robiskie: They get along extremely well. They have settled their differences and let bygones be bygones. The past is the past.

Silver Spring, Md.: Coach:
What is the key to beating Arizona at home? I read that Norv may have some new tricks up his sleeve. Is that true?

Terry Robiskie: I think the key is to control their defensive ends. If we can control their pass rush and their blitz we should be okay.

Greenbelt, MD: Brian Mitchell - for years he has been "the man" in so many ways for the team.

Now, he is one of "the men" for veteran leadership. Great, but..... has he lost the critical step necessary to be "the man" on special teams? Should we be trying Thrash?

Terry Robiskie: I am not in tune enough with the special teams and Brian Mitchell. I am too busy with those receivers to be studying Brian Mitchell, but I do believe that very soon Brian will make a play to help us win a game.

Monrovia, PA: At one point in the Carolina game, the Redskins were leading 35-24, and had a chance to attempt a -somewhat long- field goal, with the opportunity to go up by 14 points. The decision was made to punt, giving Carolina a chance to get back in the game, and make the outcome more perilous than it needed to be. Does Coach Turner have confidence in the field goal kicker -Conway- or not?

Terry Robiskie: I think the point in the game that you are speaking about it was fourht down and five. We decided to go for the first as opposed to punting or kicking a field goal. We felt that it was too close to punt, yet too far for the field goal, simply because the field goal try was a forty seven yarder against the wind. Yes, we all have confidence in our kicker. But, before the game, we always make a decision on how close in we should be to attempt a field goal in both directions. That one was too far.

Reston, Va.: Thanks for your time,
When you consider acquiring a wide receiver, do you only look at his height/weight/40 time, or are there intangable qualities such as heart,quickness,hands, knowledge of the teams' tradition, etc. that you feel make more of a difference on game day?

Terry Robiskie: I begin with his ability to catch. If he is a receiver, he must first be able to catch, then I go to height, weight, size, and speed. Heart, I look at last. Some guys, if they can play, I will give him heart. Even, if I have to give him mine.

Washington, D.C.: Hello Terry, First let me say I think your doing an excellent job. On a different note I was wondering how was it playing for John Madden? Have a good week off.

Terry Robiskie: It was a fabulous experienc. John Madden was and is the best head coach I have ever been associated with. Both as a player and since I have become an assistant coach.

Owings Mills, Md.: Terry, would you please comment on why Coach Turner turned to Brian Mitchell during the game-winning drive, and not Stephen Davis? Was it to restore Brian Mitchell's confidence, or was Coach Turner sending a statement to the Redskins' ownership? And as a follow-up, what is the status of Skip Hicks?

Terry Robiskie: No, Skip Hicks is okay. He is doing like a lot of young guys who come into the NFL, he is biding his time, watching and learning and growing. The last drive we were in our two minute package which is three receivers, one tight end, and Brian Mitchell. That is why Brian was in as opposed to Stephen.

Augusta, GA: Coach Robiskie,

Thanks for the exciting game and congratulations on the win. My question concerns special teams. Only Brett Conway seems to be doing well, every other facet of the special teams even Matt Turk is struggling and will cost us a win one day, as in Dallas. What has happened this year to make them struggle so bad?

Terry Robiskie: I am too involved trying to get the receivers to line up correctly to have time to evaluate the special teams. We do have a lot of new faces and hopefully we will improve in that area.

Alexandria, Va.: Perhaps the most imprtant test for you all in coming weeks is going to be playing in Dallas... do you agree?

What can I do to help? I'm 5'9" 180, and not very fast... but I'm ready.

Terry Robiskie: As for your ability to help, you can continue to cheer and pray. The biggest game in my opinion is not Dallas, in Dallas. It is Arizona, next week in Arizona. We must remember, Arizona beat us twice last season and knocked us out of the play off picture the season before. So, again, the biggest game is Arizona next week.

Knightdale, N.C.: Are the Redskins still attempting to obtain wide receiver Joey Galloway? Which receiver do you think works best in the slot?

Terry Robiskie: I have no idea if we are still pursuing Joey. The best slot receiver today is Irving Fryar.

Annapolis, Md.: I suspect the Redskins will continue to win more ballgames, especially with the play of their offense. Can we count on this "play calling success" to continue to try to win games, as oppossed to the trap of changing the offense to try not to "lose games"? For what seems an eternity, their offense if finally exiciting and I'd hate to see them lose that.

Terry Robiskie: Hopefully we can continue calling plays and remain successful. I am not sure each week we can score thirty to forty points. I am sure that as long as we are going the way we are going, we will continue to call plays to win the game.

Owings Mills, Md.: The reverse with Michael Westbrook seems to be a scary play that is run more often than seems necessary. Fortunately, it paid off this week. Does the team have any other tricks in the bag to use? I remember the skins used a play where the running back threw to the tight end. Do the Redskins have a capable back to throw the ball?

Terry Robiskie: We are not sure. We don't believe Stephen Davis can, we know Skip Hicks cannot, and we are uncomfortable with Larry Centers trying. We do have other tricks, but I should not tell you, you might be from Arizona.

Myrtle Beach, SC: Coach Robiskie,

Thank you and the offense for coming back sunday! Had us worried over here! What's your take on the Cards with Eric Swann coming back? What is the best matchup the Redskins have?

Terry Robiskie: I think the matchup of the game that we must win is our two tackles, versus their two defensive ends. The fun matchup again, will be our receivers against their two corners.

Raljon, Md.: Coach, are there any plans to use a play with five receivers, no back? How about such a lineup with Westbrook, Green, Bailey and two others for balzing speed as a trick play?

Terry Robiskie: We do not have five receivers on the roster, so I know we will not put them on the field. Champ Bailey is doing great with what he is doing. Let's not mess with him. Also, with five receivers, our protection is weakened. Remember, one of our biggest goals this year is to keep Brad Johnson alive.

Bethesda, Md.: Your starting wideouts, especially Albert Connell, have drawn a lot of pass interference penalties in the first four games. Jeremy Lincoln, Terry Mickens, Eric Davis, and others have been victimized in this manner. Aside from saying: "Just get open, Michael, and they'll have to grab you", do you give your receivers any advice on drawing pass interference penalties?

Terry Robiskie: Absolutely. We work on that on a daily basis in practice. And, Albert is the best at getting the call. Hopefully, it will continue for six weeks. Then Michael can take the lead . Thank you.

Richmond, VA: Is Aeneas Williams still one of the top two or three corners in the league? Do you throw away from him all day?

Terry Robiskie: I have never stamped him as one of the top two or three corners in the league. How could you, with Deion Sanders, Darrell Green, Dale Carter, Charles Woodson. Where do you put him, if is in the top two or three?

Centreville, Va.: What was Michael Westbrook saying to you right after his touchdown catch?

Terry Robiskie: Two plays before the touchdown catch, he busted a blocking assignment. He was explaining to me what had happened then begging me not to curse him out.

Richmond, Va.: On Connell's first TD catch, it looked like Westbrook ran a route to keep the safety from doubling on Connell. Was this something you planned in advanced or was it an adjustment you made during the game when you saw how the secondary was playing?

Terry Robiskie: It is something that we planned in advance, and we also made the adjustment when we noticed how the safety was playing.

Bowie, Md.: Coach,

Great win over the Panthers! How is Stephen Alexander, and will he play on the 10th? Can the receivers keep up the great job they are doing? Brad, Stephen D., Michael, and Albert all look like they are heading for Honolulu.

Terry Robiskie: Well, that is a little early, and premature. But, yes the guys are going great. Stephen is moving around with a little discomfort, but he is getting better each day and should play against Arizona.

Aiken, S.C.: Coach Robiskie,

The game was great and keep up the offense!!! My question is about Brad Johnson: the rumor is Coach Turner has held back some of the playbook until Brad masters what he has now. What could be left in the book and are you excited about using it?

Terry Robiskie: If you have watched our first four games and you noticed the scores, you should never ask me what is left. What else can be left?

N.C.: Terry, we noticed in the past years a move towards the "west coast" offense that emphasizes the short pass and tight end. The Redskins offense is more geared to looking down the field and stretching the defense. It almost feels like a clone of the Cowboys offense. Is that the case or do you see something unique in our offensive scheme?

Terry Robiskie: Well, there is some similarity of course, the head coach came from Dallas. And yes, in our offense, we do believe in stretching the defense.

Raleigh NC: ESPN now rates the Redskins as the 8th best team in the NFL?

Comments?

Terry Robiskie: Hopefully ESPN is correct. Hopefully at week ten we would have moved up about four notches, and at week 13 move up three or four more. I will keep working, you keep your fingers crossed and continue to follow ESPN.

Silver Spring, MD: What will you be doing during the bye? Do you spend time designing routes or anything like that?

Terry Robiskie: No, during the bye I spend time traveling to and from Little League football. I have three sons, 8, 10, and 11. Each one is playing. So, this weekend is full of football.

Washington, D.C.: Do the Redskins miss anything that Leslie Shepherd used to provide? Brad gets praise for throwing the deep ball, but he underthrew Albert Connell several times during the game.

Terry Robiskie: Well, I think that Brad's ability to put the ball in the position for his receivers to make a play may sometimes look like a fault or a weakness of underthrowing. I think that Brad has the ability to throw it as far as necessary or put it up in the air so that his guy can go up, make a play, or get pass interference.

Centreville, VA: More on the pass interference: seriously, I've always suspected a little coaching on how the receiver should act to try to help reinforce the refs decision to flag the play... like a basketball player that falls down from a tiny bump to draw the charge.... any truth in that?

Terry Robiskie: A lot of truth, I think it is a plus that we all have a little acting in us.

Washington, D.C.: Do you know who's been the toughest WR for Darrell throughout his career? It's been Roy Green, Tony Hill, Mike Quick, Michael Irvin, Cris Carter, Willie Gault, etc., but Darrell has seemed to survive them all. How does Darrell cover Westbrook, especially during practice?

Terry Robiskie: I think he covers Michael Westbrook like Michael Irvin, you win some and you lose some. As for which guy Darrell has had the most problems with, I really cannot say. With all of those guys, he wins some and he loses some.

Parkview, Va.: How much freedom do you have to make your own decisions concerning the game plan, players to be used, etc.?

Terry Robiskie: Some. We get together as a staff and talk about plays, formations, and personel. I have some input of course, but not the final say.

Houma, LA: Hi Terry. I am from down in bayou contry. My high school played yours back when you use to run 90 yard quarterback sneaks in the early 70's. In third and long situations most defensive teams in the NFL are very successful using blitzes knowing the receivers don't have time to run the routes. When will Norv put his foot down and make Mike start doing likewise?

Terry Robiskie: If you are from Houma, you are from WAY down in the Bayou. Which high school is it, Chavin High or what? Yes, I do believe Coach Turner is nearing the point of putting his foot down in those third and long situations.

Washington D.C.: Good afternoon Mr. Robiskie! Before the season is over, I'd like to see YOU get out there in the endzone and do the "360, reverse high five" celebration with Michael Westbrook, Albert Connell, and Stephen Davis. What would it take for you to try it ONE time?? I'd LOVE that.

P.S. If you ever DO try it, make sure you point to the nearest television camera and say, "This is for YOU Sabrina!"

Terry Robiskie: Sabrina, my days of standing in the end zone and celebrating are over, unless I am like Dan Reeves, we just won the NFC championship, we are headed to the Superbowl, even then I would do the "Dirty Bird." Thanks for writing.

Tysons Corner VA: I'd like to say kudos to Albert Connell for walking-the-walk after all that talking-the-talk in camp.

Were you concerned with his attitude and the things he was saying or were you just as confident in him as he was in his self?

Terry Robiskie: I am the guy that drafted him. And I am the guy that was coaching him, so in the beginning, I probably had more confidence in him than he had in himself, so I was never concerned with what he was saying in camp. Remember that talking in camp makes the days go by faster.

Lynchburg, Va.: How does Alexander compare to Jamie Asher in terms of his blocking ability?

Terry Robiskie: He is a little stronger at the point of attack. Jamie was quicker. Steve is stronger.

Silver Spring, MD: Terry,
It was great having Michael Westbrook on last week. Would you ask him or another player to join you after the Arizona game?

Terry Robiskie: Mike just happened to drop by and I invited him in. I hate asking my guys to come in on their day off. But, that was fun, and I will get a couple of them here before we finish the season. Thank you.

Silver Spring, Md.: Related to the question about the flexibility it game planning, do all the coaches watch game film together as well?

Terry Robiskie: Yes, each day all of the offensive coaches get together and watch offensive films. All of the defensive coaches get together and do the same. That is how we put together the game plan.

Dunkirk, Md: Coach Robiskie,
what are the basic differences between the Redskins passing game and the "West Coast Offense." Also, what are your strenghts as you are considered for a head coaching position in the NFL.

--Thanks & continued success.

Terry Robiskie: I have never been invloved in the "West Coast offense." But, I think it is recognized for the quick and short passing game. There is no comparison between us and them. We are more from the Joe Gibbs era. Protect and throw the bomb. AS for my strengths to becoming a head coach, I think first, it is my ability to coach. Second, I would hope to have the ability to bring together a large group, get them all going in the same direction, fighting for the same cause, and getting them motivated to win.
Thanks for writing.

Washingtonpost.com: That's all the time we have today. Thanks again to Terry Robiskie for being here. Join us again next week for another edition of Airing It Out with Terry Robiskie.