The Washington Redskins
With David Terrell
Redskin Safety
Friday, Dec. 21, 2001; 1:30 p.m. EST

The Redskins' chances of reaching the NFC playoffs suffered a blow Sunday after they squandered one opportunity after another and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, their NFC East rivals, 20-6. Washington must now face the Chicago Bears, the surprising leaders of the NFC Central, at 1 p.m. Sunday at FedEx Field.

Safety David Terrell was online to talk about the game against Philadelphia and where the Redskins go from here.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Arlington, Va.: First -- congratulations on an inspiring season. Winning or losing, I've personally felt that the 2001 team has looked like one of the hardest working, most dedicated Redskins teams in years. I'm proud to be a fan this season!

My question is: which of your teammates if any do you feel is deserving of the Pro Bowl? I'm hoping a few will be recognized this year.

Thanks and good luck this weekend. I KNOW you guys will destroy the Bears!

David Terrell: There is no question we are trying to build on last years team. We feel as though we let a lot of people down as well as ourselves. WE dug ourselves a major hole at the start of the season. I hope we can still geta ticket into the playoffs.

No doubt LaVar Arringron will be the head of the group. There is no question that he leads that.

Chicago, Ill. -- but not a Bears fan: What's up with all the trash-talking before this game? It's not like Bears-Redskins has been a hot rivalry before. Although I must say you and your Chicago namesake are quite entertaining, what with him accusing you of using his name to pick up women, and you pointing out he has "more drops than receptions."

David Terrell: Tell you the truth it is all fun and games. It is nothing personal. I am more of a Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon kind of guy and I am really looking forward to playing the guy. I don't know him and have nothing against him.

As far as me using his name to pick up girls that is crazy. Firstly, I have a wife and so that part of the game for me is cut out. Second, I really wouldn't want anyone to confuse me with this guy because of the two David Terrells I am definitely the handsome one.

Rockville, Md.: David, tuough loss last week to a team that you guys have the ability to beat. Do you think there is a need to consider a quarterback change as was mentioned for this weeks game or do you and the team still believes in Tony?

David Terrell: There is no doubt that there is Tony is our guy and he will be. I think the whole team is going to back him for the rest of the season. I know I will. During the bad run there were a lot of people looking to him as our savior and now that we lost again there seems to be a lot of people who want him out. Winning or loosing he is our guy and we will get through.

Richmond, Va.: David -- In your opinion, who's the best "trash" talker if you had to pick between K-Lang or Smoot?

David Terrell: I would have to go with Smoot. Lang is more of the joker type while Smoot hits that nerve that will really get you aggravated -- sometimes almost leading to blows. He is somewhat of an expert at it. So I have to go with Smoot.

Alexandria, Va.: How would you describe your job as a safety, and is it the same job on every team?

David Terrell: No, It is not the same for every team. Every team has its own scheme.

The majority of the time I am the last line of defense and am providing help for the corners and the secondary. There are some situations where I blitz and some where I am covering the tightends or the receiver. It kind of changes up depending on the situation.

Sugarland, Tex.: Hey David, I am proud of you man. I know personally how hard you worked to get that starting job. Work harder to keep it player. You really deserved a shot and you took advantage. I wish you continued success. Tell Champ, Darrell, Sam, and Donovan I said What's Up. My question is, How does it feel being a starter opposed to being a role player?

T. DIDDY

David Terrell: It has been a lot of fun this year. Started off last year to special teams and worked my way to this job, so it has been a lot of fun. It is an honor to play with people like Champ and Darrell. I hope just to get better and better and also play for a Super Bowl ring.

Vienna, Va.: Which position in particular do you feel that the Redskins should address most directly during the offseason? Also, what type of offense, do you as a db have the most trouble with?

David Terrell: I think position wise perhaps offensive line. We can use help in all areas. All of them can use improvement. But we had some injuries on the O line so if I had to choose that is what I would pick.

Boston, Mass.: Will most of the team remain intact for next season? Do most of the players feel successful enough to want to come back for Marty?

David Terrell: I hope so. Right now we have a great deal of team unity. We have been through a lot together and I think that has brought us closer together. I think everyone wants the same team to come back and be together once again.

Weatherly, Pa.: David,

How was your first season at free safety, in your opinion? I would imagine that making the transition from cornerback to free safety is not easy. Could you talk about how you adjusted to a different position in the secondary? Also, congratulations on a fine season. You are the Redskins third starting free safety in as many years, and I think that you have outplayed your predecessors. Keep up the good work, and good luck against the Bears.

David Terrell: It has been challenging. Your mentality has to be different. At free safety you are seeing the overall picture a lot more. As for corner, you are almost your own little island. Also, with free safety you go directly to the ball whether it is on the ground or in the air.

Woodbridge, Va.: Hi David,

Please tell me that the team hasn't given up on the season yet. I would love to see you guys finish 9-7 and be in the playoff hunt to the end. The worst thing in the NFL is when players give up on the team before the seasons over. GO SKINS, BEAT DA BEARS.

David Terrell: I don't think we have any quitters on this team, whether it is players or coaches staff. We are not giving up. If we go 9-7 I think we have a good chance of getting into the playoffs. I think it is a must that we win these last three games and put us at least into the position where we could make it.

West Palm Beach, Fla.: How confident is the team in regards to winning the last three games. Do the players think we are one of the top five NFC teams?

David Terrell: We have to think that way. We have to have that type of mentality. There is no question that we can win these games. I think that we will catch them, even in New Orleans and Chicago feel that we are just an easy win on their way to the playoffs. That is where we will catch them. We know that if we do our jobs we can take on anyone in the league.

Laurel, Md.: What do you think you need to become a Superbowl Contender. Is the one position you think that could make you a contender?

David Terrell: I think you just have to be able to play together. I don't think there is one position that can get you there. It is a team effort-- offense, special teams, and defense. You have to win at least two out of these three to come out ahead. And of course winning all three is nice.

Washington, D.C.: David,
What contribution do you feel you bring the team that makes you different from the other players? Congratulations on having a good year

David Terrell: I think I bring an energy to the defense. I try to bring a lot of hustle to the defense and really learn about my opponent. I hope that helps too.

Takoma Park: Hey David, it's payback time, we must beat the Bears on gameday.

David Terrell: There is no question that we need to beat the Bears. We need all three of the next games to get into the playoffs. It is a must win situation.

David Terrell: Thank you for your questions -- I hope I did a fair job of answering them. I hope you all continue to support us because we are going to need you guys.

Thanks.

washingtonpost.com:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

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