After 11 wins in the first two seasons under Mike Shanahan, the Redskins are still providing more questions than answers. A lot more. They have questions regarding their health, especially on offense, where the line and last year’s starting running back all have issues.

They also have a rookie quarterback -- a celebrated one, yes -- but one who is still learning how things work in the NFL. As much as it might pain the Redskins fans, Robert Griffin III might take time to develop. The question is, can he make enough big plays as he's learning to still help them win?

Questions to be answered in exhibition season:

1. How quickly can RG3 be a factor? That depends. Are we talking about his arm or his legs? Because they will use both -- and the legs are clearly ahead of the arm at this point. Griffin’s ability to run the ball in the red zone, freezing linebackers with zone read fakes, will be crucial. But the development of the offense rests on his arm. He’s held the ball too long at times in practice, but don’t forget he’s coming from an offense that didn’t require him to go through route progressions the way he now must. And behind a suspect offensive line, he might not always have time to make all his reads.

2. Who will carry the ball? With Tim Hightower still not 100 percent after ACL surgery in November, Evan Royster will get the first start ahead of Roy Helu. Royster probably has the best vision among the backs, but he must show better balance at the end of runs. Helu is a game-breaker, potentially, but is the worst of the three in pass protection. Royster must improve in that area, too. Hightower is the best all-around back, but he wasn’t exactly at a Pro Bowl level before the injury.

3. Can the defense carry them? The Redskins consistently have said there’s one area that helps a rookie QB the most: defense. Washington finished 13th overall last season. The Redskins need to improve their standing if they want to contend for a playoff spot. The front seven is considered a strength. But for them to win, young pass rushers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan must improve on the 16.5 combined sacks they had in 2011. A good sum, but not an elite one. Two reasons for hope: Barry Cofield having a full offseason at nose tackle; the return of 2011 second-round pick Jarvis Jenkins, who has looked rusty in training camp.

John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWAS or @John_Keim.