The Falcons' defense has improved, offense lacks 'consistency'

Michael Rothstein is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN. Rothstein covers the Atlanta Falcons. FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- It wasn't a specific discussion or overarching change that recentered the Atlanta Falcons defense during the team's bye week last month. It was a collective understanding from the defense of what happened before the bye -- three straight losses in close games allowing over 350 yards and giving up big plays at the end -- was no longer acceptable.