The Redskins (4-2) are not leading the NFC East after Week 7 by default. They're in first place because they are doing three simple things well, and the rest of the division is not.
Last season, Washington finished 7-9 and third in the division because it couldn't stop the run, rush effectively itself or protect the ball. This year, the team's efforts to correct all three areas have paid off — with a little unexpected twist.
Coach Jay Gruden is no longer frustrated by his team's mistakes with fundamentals. There is nothing spectacular in how the Redskins are winning in a make-or-break season for his job security. Below is a breakdown of how the Redskins are now able to practice what Gruden has preached for four-plus seasons.
The run defense
Washington ranked dead last in the NFL last season, giving up 134.1 yards per game on average. Philadelphia ranked first in that category during its run to the Super Bowl.
Now the Redskins rank No. 3 (87.3 yards allowed per game), one spot behind the Eagles and seven spots ahead of the Cowboys. The defensive line and linebacker play of Philadelphia and Dallas gets more attention with marquee names, but Washington's recent investments in those areas have paid off big-time.
By this time last year, 2017 first-rounder Jonathan Allen was on injured reserve. His former Alabama teammate, Da'Ron Payne, was still plugging away for the Crimson Tide. Now they are reunited to solidify the Redskins three-man front, with Allen lining up at end opposite Matt Ioannidis and with Payne's strong, quick frame manning nose tackle.
Behind them, the Redskins were smart to re-sign inside linebacker Zach Brown to a three-year deal in March despite an injury-riddled 2017 season. He has been cleaning up with adequate help from prolific tackler Mason Foster, who had to be shut down before last Halloween with a torn labrum.
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That's four critical, strong, healthy bodies Washington didn't have last year. The evidence of their combined effect was clear when they finally got the best of Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, who ripped the Redskins for 150 yards rushing last October. He was stuffed for only 33 yards on 15 carries Sunday, the key to Washington's 20-17 victory.
In the second year under defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, the Redskins have traded wilting, undisciplined play for sturdiness.
The rushing offense
The Redskins made a commitment here, too, by investing a second-round pick on potential feature back Derrius Guice. Many thought Guice's torn ACL in the preseason meant Washington would have to revert to Samaje Perine and Rob Kelley taking turns in Gruden's doghouse again. But the team signed Adrian Peterson late in the preseason and added Kapri Bibbs late last month.
Those acquisitions have proven to be extra important, as receiving back Chris Thompson has been dealing with more injury issues, this time with his ribs and knee, causing him to miss two games.
Peterson surprisingly can still play well while banged up, and he can can still handle a high volume of carries. Sunday marked his fourth game with at least 96 yards rushing this season, which is remarkable for a 33-year-old, even a future Hall of Famer. Peterson's style has brought the physicality Gruden wants in his offense, and Bibbs has been an adequate swing replacement for Peterson and Thompson.
The Redskins have shot up in this category, too, from No. 28 (90.5 yards per game) in the league last season to No. 14 (119 yards per game) this year. They've even jumped the Eagles, who have gone from No. 3 to No. 21.
The offensive lines in Philadelphia and Dallas also get more attention than Washington's unit does, and deservedly so with their all-star power. But the Redskins' front five is becoming less underrated. With top tackles Trent Williams and Morgan Moses, plus nasty right guard Branon Scherff, they have the anchors in place.
Peterson, Bibbs and Thompson don't see major creases, but there's enough running room for a commitment to the rush to yield positive results and, with time, wear down opponents. The Redskins have been able to stick with the run deep into most games, save for the lopsided losses to the Colts and Saints.
Part of the reason for that is their focusing on ball control and not making mistakes.
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The turnover differential
Overall, Alex Smith wasn't the better QB against Dak Prescott on Sunday. But he was the QB who had the turnover-free game. Through seven weeks, Smith has only two interceptions and one lost fumble.
Smith had his best season as a deep passer last year, his final season in Kansas City. With wide receiver injuries and limited passing explosiveness in Washington, he's back to leaning on his signature strength — not making critical mistakes.
As a team, the Redskins have given the ball away only five times, second-fewest in the league behind the Falcons. That has allowed them to be plus six in turnover differential, tied with the Rams for No. 4 in the NFL. Last year, the Redskins were minus four, tied for No. 23.
Part of the reason Washington is protecting the ball better is its protection of Smith. The Redskins have given up only 13 sacks this season; that number is 23 for the Cowboys and 22 for the Eagles.
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This winning formula is neither pretty nor perfect. The Redskins' conservative ways can cost them when they're thrown off script due to game flow, as we've seen in their two losses. They are built to win battles of attrition, but they don't have good chances to pull off big comebacks or compete in shootouts. That will keep their ceiling low in an NFC playoff field certain to include the Rams, Saints and Vikings.
However, given the Redskins' current strengths and the current weaknesses of the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants, Washington is well positioned for its final five NFC East games.
That might be more than enough to take a suddenly weak division.
