The Dallas Cowboys defense is putting up a lot of effort despite injuries

The Dallas Cowboys barely escaped on Sunday night thanks to another strong performance from their defense. It's refreshing to see the defense playing well after terrible performances in Weeks 2 and 3. It appeared to be on the verge of destruction as new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer didn't look like the solution. Two weeks later, some of that confidence has been restored as they not only stop teams from scoring, but do so with a severely weakened squad.

You may believe this farm, but the cowboys defense performs better than the offensive in the following categories…

• Yards per game
• Interception percentage
• 3rd down conversion percentage

And after such a tumultuous start, the defense now ranks in the top half in rushing yards per play, while the offense is second to last. That's not how it's supposed to work. The offense has returning coaches and several All-Pro players, while the defense has a new defensive coordinator and is struggling badly. How does the defense do this?

DEPTH OF THE DEFENSE LINE

Sam Williams' season was over before it began. The team lost both Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence last week, and freshman Marshawn Kneeland was injured on the fourth defensive play of the game. For those who score at home: DE1, DE2, DE3 and DE4 who are out. This is incredibly unfortunate.

Last season, the team was able to dig deep and bring out Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, but both players now play for the NFC East-leading Washington Commanders. Instead, they turned to Chauncey Golston, Carl Lawson and Tyrus Wheat for answers. If you're in tears now, we understand. This looks really bad. But to the surprise of many, this trio held up quite well on Sunday. Golston is a versatile player and can be a liability in both the pass rush and against the run. He's not impressive, he's just annoying. Golston finished with the third-best PFF grade among the Cowboys' defense on Sunday night.

Lawson and Wheat aren't flashy players, but they aren't burdens either. Aside from a rough passer penalty, Wheat showed good discipline and was alert in the running game. And even though Lawson never came home, he kept pushing. Considering the team only had DE5, DE6 and DE7 left, it held up pretty well.

And we can't leave the defensive line without mentioning what Linval Joseph did. He was a late addition, but he fits Zimmer's defense so well. He was the highest-rated defensive player on Sunday and he was an absolute embarrassment. His presence in the middle is noticeable.

LINEBACKERS WHO FIND THINGS

Let's be honest, Zimmer didn't know what he wanted to do with these guys at first. It really was a “let’s see what these guys can do” situation. On paper it was a promising squad, but on the pitch it was a big mess. Two weeks ago, they ranked last in rushing yards allowed per attempt. Now they're 15. Their run defense is like Jefferson's, they're on the rise.

What exactly is going on? Well, it's two things. First, they figured out the people they wanted out there. The linebacker group now features three new guys, Eric Kendricks (free agent), DeMarvion Overshown (redshirt injury last year) and Marist Liufau (rookie). Incumbent DaMone Clark was eliminated. He played just five snaps against the Giants and none on Sunday night.

As Zimmer has figured out his personnel, his personnel has also figured out his defense. They have become much better at staying true to their gap responsibilities. The run defense simultaneously moves to one side of the field and cuts off the running lane while the right linebacker shoots through the open scoring area to make the attack. The Cowboys defense has allowed an average of 2.36 yards per carry over the last two games.

And if anyone wants to say that the Giants and Steelers aren't that good, remember that Najee Harris (three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons) and Devin Singletary (three consecutive 800-yard seasons) aren't chopped liver, and Daniel Jones and Justin Fields are two of the most effective quarterbacks in the league this year. Whatever the Cowboys are doing, it's working.

EENY MEENY AMANI MOE

Compared to what's going on defensively, the cornerback situation looks pretty good, but they're still making some shots. DaRon Bland was injured in training camp and his replacement, rookie Caelen Carson, has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury. That leaves the cornerback group two players behind, but don't worry.

Trevon Diggs is showing no ill effects from his injury last year and Jourdan Lewis might be the toughest guy in the NFL. These accomplished veterinarians are a good start, but they are not enough. Luckily, the team could have picked up a gem of a reserve in Amani Oruwariye. He played in every snap on Sunday and was never a liability. Health will improve, but injuries have allowed them to find two strong players in Carson and Oruwariye. How's that for a CB squad:

CB1 Trevon Diggs (back in form)

CB2 DaRon Bland (coming soon)

CB3 Jourdan Lewis (hard SOB)

CB4 Caelen Carson (coming soon)

CB5 Amani Oruwariye (nice last minute find)

If this group gets healthy, this is a strong cornerback group.