FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Mission accomplished.

The Atlanta Falcons have proven they have a new and improved defensive unit. Not just because of its dominant performance in the team's win against the Buffalo Bills on "Monday Night Football" but because of how it has performed through five games now.

"I wouldn't even say just tonight," Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. said Monday. "I mean, it was tonight. We took a big step forward. But I think even throughout the whole season, we've always been taking steps whether it's been wins or losses."

Entering Week 7, the Falcons are 3-2 with the No. 1 defense in yards allowed, No. 1 pass defense, No. 17 run defense and No. 7 in scoring defense. Atlanta has allowed an average of 253.4 total yards, 139.4 passing yards, 114 rushing yards and 20 po

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