Falcons defensive guru Pees determined to raise expectations

Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell takes a selfie with a fan during the NFL football team's practice on Saturday, July 30, 2022, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

One season of bottom-rung defense was too much for Dean Pees.

Pees, the Atlanta Falcons’ veteran defensive coordinator, is making sure his players know he won’t stand for another season like 2021, when Atlanta finished 7-10.

Only two NFL teams allowed more points than the Falcons. No team had fewer sacks.