WASHINGTON — With a 5-6 record, the Redskins are the best team in the NFC East. While the division is jokingly referred to as the “NFC Least,” the Redskins indeed have more punch than punch line.

The 20-14 win over the New York Giants not only lifted the Redskins ahead of Sunday’s opponent into first place in the NFC East, but also provided another insight into the team’s real potential.

The way the Redskins crafted their win over the Giants proved to be an example of the team’s resilience and commitment. The failure to score off two early Eli Manning interceptions could have been deflating. Instead, the Redskins stayed the course, and a DeSean Jackson 63-yard touchdown catch put them on their way to victory.

While Manning and the Giants provided a late threat with two fourth quarter touchdowns, the Redskins refused to break. QB Kirk Cousins and the offense made enough big plays in the closing minutes to deny Manning a comeback bid.

In this journey that is the 2015 season, games have been lost and to injury, key players have been lost, but the Redskins continue to find themselves. Out of a new culture, a new identity is forming, and with it, a team on its way to the playoffs.