Somehow, in spite of the fact they haven't played a good game from start to finish, the San Francisco 49ers are in first place in the NFC West through three games and remain the only remaining undefeated team in the division.
That was true again in Week 3 against the visiting Arizona Cardinals, as the Niners overcame an up-and-down offensive showing, a late interception by quarterback Mac Jones that seemed to all but certainly seal the loss, and a safety on a holding penalty to come back and win their third straight game.
And much of the win comes down to coordinator Robert Saleh's defense holding down quarterback Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offense, especially in the drive after Jones' interception, when all Arizona needed to do was hold onto the ball, something it succeeded at most of the afternoon, to win the game.
But it wasn't just that drive where Saleh proved his worth.
Robert Saleh is working magic with 49ers' revamped defense
Star pass-rusher Nick Bosa left the game with what was later revealed to be a season-ending knee injury late in the first quarter, adding to the laundry list of key players who are missing due to injuries. While this is the first major miss for Saleh's defense, there is a certain sense of "oh, no, here we go again" among 49er fans as the casualty count continues to rise.
The defense may not be as injury-riddled, but it's using a bevy of rookies with Upton Stout, Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, CJ West, and Marques Sigle all either starting or getting significant snaps, as the 49ers were among the league leaders in rookie usage through two weeks.
All this to say, Saleh has had his work cut out for him, and he's more than answered the call. His unit is fourth in the NFL in yards allowed per game at just 265.7 through three weeks, including a scant 162 per game through the air, which is fifth in the league.
More importantly, the Niners are allowing just 16.3 points per game, good for third in the NFL, and all the more vital given the offense's inability to attain its desired balance, despite sitting seventh in yards per game on offense with 361 (271.3 passing/89.7 rushing).
The hope is the 49ers offense will get healthier, which will take away the option of stacking the box for opposing defenses, returning head coach Kyle Shanahan's unit to the balanced group he wants. That will help take some of the pressure off of Saleh's side of the ball, especially if Bosa's injury turns out to be long term.
Until then, you can certainly trust Saleh to get the job done as it has through three weeks so far.
As the Niners look to continue their winning streak, he must keep on stealing the show.