Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees believes his unit is trending in the right direction heading to the game against the Panthers. He noted that they do need to improve on third down, but there have been incremental improvements for the defense. The unit is ranked last in the league in pass defense and 29th in third down conversions. The Chargers converted on six straight third downs to get back in the game after the Falcons took a 10-0 lead. The issue had to be discussed, while acknowledging the other incremental improvements.

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