One of Joe Gibbs' desires during his second tenure as Washington Redskins coach was to not only return the team to prominence, but to leave it in good shape so his successor could win.

Gibbs, who has returned to his Huntersville-based NASCAR team, made the playoffs twice in the past four seasons and also deserves some credit for the Redskins' surprising 4-1 start this season under new coach Jim Zorn.

For sure, Zorn has done a great job coaching and inspiring the team, but he's doing it mostly with players brought to Washington during Gibbs' tenure as coach and chief decision-maker.

If Washington can sustain its early success under Zorn, it will add to Gibbs' already impressive legacy.

He can't really be rewarded any more for it, however, since he's already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Zorn, meanwhile, has done an excellent job developing young quarterback Jason Campbell and getting him acclimated to the West Coast offense.

Zorn is also making good use of running back Clinton Portis, receiver Santana Moss, tight end Chris Cooley and other players handpicked by Gibbs.

Washington has become an early force in the NFC East, easily the league's best division so far.

The Redskins already have played all their divisional road games, going 2-1, and now get their three rivals at home later in the season.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.