I don't think it's primarily Gregg Williams. I do think he's a great DC. But a few years back the Commanders had Marvin Lewis as their DC when Spurrier was the HC and they sucked. And Lewis was considered by most to be the best DC in the league.
Now, just like in the 80's, Washington is playing tough football, but they are also getting all the calls and bounces like the old days. Tip a pass and it lands in Arrington's arms. TB fumbles and it rolls right to a Commander. Conversely, right after TB cut it to 17-10, the Commanders fumbled near mid-field and several players had a chance and it bounces right back to Brunell. Plus Gibbs whining his first year and a half back has seemed to pay dividends. The last month and a half, just about every close call goes his way. It almost makes you sick. I guess the league got tired of getting tapes in the mail every week and listening to the crying.