Q: The Redskins' defense looks great this preseason, but the offense has some fans worried about their production ability and the offensive line's durability. What's your take on it?
--Trevor, Bloomington, Ind.

A: I'd still worry more about the defense. Assuming quarterback Jason Campbell is healthy and Clinton Portis can stay healthy, the offense should hold its own. Durability on the offensive line is always an issue for every team and losing Derrick Dockery doesn't help, but insiders like Campbell and everybody loves Santana Moss, who must avoid injury as well.

Q: Who do you think is the next Kurt Warner; a quarterback that comes out of nowhere or out of pervasive snubbing to become a good quality starter in the league?
--Alex Johnson, Cleveland, Ohio

A: I think Kurt Warner and maybe Johnny Unitas before him are pretty unique, although Tony Romo probably would qualify under your criteria. He was an undrafted free agent who sat on the bench until last season. Dallas fans think he can be special. Another possibility: Cleo Lemon of the Dolphins.

Q: The Dolphins haven't won a Super Bowl in 33 years, and they haven't been to one in 22 years. Why would anybody pay hefty sums for tickets, for a team that is a perennial loser?
--Dave, Va.

A: You should submit your question to Detroit fans, who haven't won since 1957, or to Cardinals fans, who haven't won since 1947, two cities ago. Or Chicago Cubs fans, who haven't won since 1908, yet fill Wrigley Field every season. It's a phenomenon in sports that the industry has been able to attract and keep loyal fans without necessarily being a winning product. Success doesn't necessarily require winning. As long as people are having a good time — whether it's tailgating, arguing, wagering, cheering or booing — they'll pay.

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Q: What's the latest on the league employing full-time referees? Bad calls during the playoffs the past two seasons (pass interference calls in particular) have proven most challenging for refs to get right. Perhaps this would be alleviated by more conditioned full-time refs and/or video replays of calls which dramatically affect the flow of a game. I'm tired of watching my team's opponents given first and goals at the one opportunities when there was no contact on the previous play between DB and WR.
--Jeff Honeck, Brookfield, Conn.

A: Pass interference remains the hardest call to officiate and probably the least consistently called. But I'm afraid you'll have to live with your frustrations. Full-time officials aren't on the horizon, nor would they necessarily fix the problems. It's a human endeavor subject to human error whether or not the humans are paid full-time or part-time. There are two good arguments against full-time football officials. The league would lose it's best officials, who couldn't leave their full-time professions, and with only 23-24 games a year counting preseason and playoffs, there simply isn't enough work to accommodate full-time officials. They couldn't be expected to spend six days a week in film study.

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