First Take's Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith share their thoughts on which NFC East team is the best in their division at the moment. (1:41)

There are big changes in Washington, and I'm not talking about the upcoming election. Instead, for the first time in recent memory, the Redskins have a distinct plan. And it is starting to pay off.

Many looked at the Redskins as potentially the worst team in football before the season. For numerous reasons, namely that this team understands its personnel and what it can and can't do to win, Washington is sitting at .500 in a weak division and certainly can't be considered a pushover franchise anymore. Could it be an NFC East title contender? Possibly.

Remember, because of the trade that led to the drafting of Robert Griffin III, this team simply has not had the draft capital to bring in high-end young talent on either side of the ball. But Scot McCloughan is now in charge of Washington's personnel, and the positive effects are being felt immediately.

Two of the Redskins' most important additions this offseason were Brandon Scherff (draft) and Bill Callahan as their offensive line coach. Scherff is a rugged guard/right tackle prospect who probably doesn't get picked as high as he did in most draft classes, but he is a great fit for what Jay Gruden is trying to do in Washington, which is build a replica of his power-based offense from his Cincinnati days.