NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A defense widely billed as potentially the worst in NFL history is above average after two weeks.

Perhaps you heard that the Dallas Cowboys ranked dead last in the league in total defense last season, allowing an average of 415.3 yards per game. Many thought the Dallas defense would be even worse after the departures of DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher and the loss of linebacker Sean Lee to a knee injury.

Yet the early returns are remarkably encouraging, with the Cowboys shaving almost a full field’s worth of yardage per game. Dallas ranks 13th in total defense, allowing 316.5 yards per game.

"I feel like we knew coming into the season that we were going to be better than we were last year," said safety Barry Church, a defensive captain whose interception Sunday was the Cowboys' first forced turnover of the season. "We just had to keep it to ourselves and make sure we talk with our pads, not with our mouths. We’re going to keep doing that."

It’s far too early for the 1-1 Cowboys to be celebrating anything, especially on defense.

However, after two games, the Dallas defenders have at least earned the right to hold their heads high. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli's unit has allowed only two touchdowns over the past seven quarters.

"We all know the challenges that our defense has," owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "They can be good players and good athletes, but they still have to get in there and play together. Our coaches are doing that. Guys are into it.

"They know the challenge. I heard some of them talking before the game, 'We’re right there, guys. We’re close. We’re right there.' The team is coming together."