ASHBURN, Va. -- There's a reason the Washington Redskins' defense is ranked 10th in the NFL.

Some would argue that the defense -- a unit that struggled to get acclimated to defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis' system early in the season -- has been buoyed by the Pro Bowl trio of linebackers Jessie Armstead, LaVar Arrington and Jeremiah Trotter. Others would spread some credit to the skills of cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Fred Smoot.

But those in the know say the key to the defense's success has been the improved play of Washington's defensive line. In particular, the front four of Daryl Gardener, Bruce Smith, Dan Wilkinson and Renaldo Wynn is developing a rhythm and cohesion that is beginning to produce results.

"Anytime the defensive line plays well, everybody else plays well," Smoot said. "If they're playing well, they're making the quarterback make stupid decisions, and we're going to capitalize on every stupid decision he makes. They're playing real good right now."

"It starts with the defensive line. Everybody knows that," said Gardener, a defensive tackle who spent six years with the Miami Dolphins before signing with the Redskins as a free agent on July 30. "When the defensive line plays well, we win games. When the defensive line plays bad, we just hope and pray we have an offense that can kill."

And with the league's 22nd-ranked offense averaging just 153 passing yards over the past three games, Gardener's analysis may not be an exaggeration. Washington has won its past two contests against the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks because the defense has given up a combined 24 points.

The defensive line delivered its most promising performance in a 14-3 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday. Smith, an 18-year defensive end who is a lock for the Hall of Fame, continued to bolster his reputation as one of the game's most fearsome pass rushers by sacking quarterback Matt Hasselbeck twice and stripping him of the football once.

Gardener also recorded a sack and recovered a fumble caused by safety Sam Shade, while Wilkinson, a defensive tackle, and Wynn, a defensive end, combined to make six tackles and contain running back Shaun Alexander to just 67 rushing yards.

"We've come together," said Wynn, another free agent from the Jacksonville Jaguars who joined the team on March 28. "The cohesiveness of the d-line is on a much higher level. Guys are very comfortable with playing with one another. We just want to get better."

Developing that comfort level was a challenge in the early stages of the season as several players complained about adapting to Lewis' system.

On running plays, the scheme requires the front four to lock up the offensive line and funnel the backs to the linebackers filling the running lanes. On passing plays, the defensive line's ability to apply pressure to the quarterback creates opportunities for the secondary to get interceptions.

With nearly four decades of experience shared by Gardener, Smith, Wilkinson and Wynn, accepting those responsibilities proved challenging. But the foursome broke out of its shell against Seattle, which didn't surprise defensive line coach Ricky Hunley.

"When you have those kind of players, that's the type of production you expect to see," he said. "A lot of it comes from effort. A lot of it comes from your willingness to beat the man you're lining up against. When you give good effort, good things happen."

Wilkinson, who is considered the elder statesman of the group because he is in his fifth season with the Redskins compared with Smith's third year with the club, said he has seen a renewed energy in his fellow defensive linemen.

"We're getting more in sync with the defense," he said. "Guys are just coming off the ball and reacting instead of thinking."

All four players say there is room for improvement, and Hunley said he won't be satisfied until he sees the defensive line cross the line of scrimmage on every running play and force the quarterback to throw off his back foot on every passing play.

"As a defensive lineman, you always have got to be on edge," Hunley said. "It's like a time bomb ticking. Tick, tick, tick, tick. Sooner or later, it's going to explode."

Next for Redskins

Opponent:Jacksonville Jaguars

Site:Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.

When:Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

TV/Radio:Chs. 45, 5/WNAV (1430 AM), WJFK (106.7 FM)

Line:Jaguars by 3