There is more to the Redskins’ offseason than Robert Griffin III — hard as it is to believe. On Monday, 57 players returned to Redskins Park for offseason work. Here are a few whose offseasons are important — either to themselves or the team. Receiver Santana Moss » His return is not a guarantee. Moss lost some explosiveness last season and was not in the best shape of his career. The Redskins clearly want more from the slot, which is why they courted Eddie Royal so hard. Moss needs to prove he can still be a factor.
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Right tackle Jammal Brown » He has spent two mostly injury-filled seasons in Washington. Coach Mike Shanahan told reporters last month that yoga has helped Brown’s injuries heal. If so, that would buy the organization time to find and groom his eventual replacement.
Linebacker Perry Riley » He took over the starting job from Rocky McIntosh last season and is expected to start in 2012. But Riley’s development was stunted by the lack of an offseason in 2011. Riley learned a few lessons during the season, especially in coverage, and now must improve on those issues starting … now.
Nose tackle Barry Cofield » He played well in his first season as a 3-4 nose tackle, but he had many moments when he was not as effective, partly because he was seeing different blocking schemes every game. Cofield vowed to watch plenty of tape and grow from those experiences. If he does, the Redskins will benefit greatly.
– John Keim
