Rocky McIntosh re-signs

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh re-signed with the Redskins late Wednesday night, a move that is a little surprising. McIntosh had wanted to return, but it appeared the Redskins would move on without him. McIntosh struggled in his first season playing in a 3-4 defense and was considered a better fit as a 4-3 weakside linebacker. However, the Redskins did not have a sound replacement so they brought back McIntosh on a one-year deal.

Second-year 'backer Perry Riley, who had been working with the first team, had his development hurt by the lockout this offseason, preventing him from needed attention from the coaches. Earlier Wednesday, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said Riley is trying to learn "the hardest position on the field to learn.” That’s because Riley has to learn both inside positions; if the offense switches formations it also changes the responsibility of the inside ‘backers. He also has to learn the responsibilities of the position in their sub-packages. “He’s a very active kid who can run,” Haslett said. “He just needs time on the grass. The lockout set him back a little bit, not having a full offseason.”

Also, Lorenzo Alexander is learning to play inside, but that transition was hurt as well by the lockout. Horatio Blades also re-signed, but is strictly a backup and special teamer.

McIntosh started 61 games the past five seasons in Washington, the first four of which were spent as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3.

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(washingtonexaminer.com)