Schottenheimer admits to communication lapse

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer admitted Wednesday to a breakdown of communication between himself and his players, a chasm Bruce Smith said can be bridged by not treating the players "like some teen-agers that are delinquent."

Both sides spoke of progress after a team-wide give-and-take session Monday. With the new coach in danger of losing his players' confidence -- and with the Redskins (0-3) far from competitive in their first three games -- it might have been the last chance to salvage the season.

"There was a communication lapse on my part, and I readily accept that," Schottenheimer said. "There were some things I asked to be done, and I never told them why, and that's not good. It's just like your kid. You tell your child or your spouse what you want, if you explain why, you've probably got a chance to get it done."

The Redskins have been outscored 112-16. They are ranked last in both offense and defense and are two-touchdown underdogs for Sunday's game against the reigning NFC champion New York Giants.