Dean Pees stood in entrance of the press on Election Day, however he wasn’t there to speak politics.

The Atlanta Falcons 73-year-old defensive coordinator made it abundantly clear that he was prepared for the election course of to finish, largely due to the “berating” that goes on between candidates.

However that was only a small a part of Pees’ complaints.

After his protection allowed a season-low in explosive performs in Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and held quarterback Justin Herbert to his second-lowest score (80) of the marketing campaign, the primary query Pees was requested in his Tuesday press convention was about his unit’s third down struggles.

The ultimate stat line exhibits Los Angeles transformed eight of 16 third downs, which is simply barely higher than the 5 of 11 effort that Atlanta doable. Nevertheless, in the course of the second quarter, the Falcons’ protection imploded, permitting two lengthy landing drives, the one two of the sport. In the course of the possessions, the Chargers went six of six on third downs, 4 of which third and medium or longer.

However in the end, Pees’ unit performed pretty effectively – definitely sufficient to maintain the group within the sport. He took a number of positives from it, and felt his group deserved credit score … however discovered a unique actuality on the microphone.

“As an alternative, we’re at all times going to search for the adverse,” Pees mentioned. “Is that what we’re alleged to do? Is that a part of journalism? Actually? I’m asking as a coach. Is the whole lot at all times acquired to be, ‘let’s discover one thing adverse to speak about, and this week it will likely be third downs?’”

That is to not say Pees believes his protection is with out flaws. He admitted they nonetheless have loads of room to enhance, however believes they’ve taken vital strides since final 12 months.

One such instance of this development got here on the sidelines in opposition to Los Angeles, when Pees made an in-game adjustment to one thing the unit had little familiarity with. However he trusted his gamers and their understanding of the protection, and the next drive resulted in a punt.

Whereas an occasion like that definitely is not obvious to the skin eye, it is a large step ahead for the protection and displays the progress being made behind the scenes. Regardless of the loss, Pees was elated with what he noticed – which is not at all times the case, even after wins.

“I got here out of there feeling higher concerning the protection after a loss than I did in some video games after we received,” mentioned Pees. “That’s all I’m telling you … There are a (heck) of loads of positives on protection that’s attempting to pattern in the best path, and our guys are busting their ass to do it. I’m proud as heck of them.”

After 25 years teaching on the collegiate ranks and 14 extra within the NFL, Pees has seen nearly the whole lot that may be completed on a soccer subject. He is been round loads of gamers, and after professing his love for this group over the offseason, doubled down on Tuesday.

“I’ve been round protection for a very long time,” Pees started. “I’m not disillusioned on this protection. I’m very pleased with this protection and the place it’s going … I really like these guys. This group is a lot enjoyable to educate. Love teaching these guys.”

After questioning the motives behind the unique query and defending his protection’s numbers, Pees outlined his unit’s development, however the depths to which they’ve gotten and the way they’ve gone about getting there.

Whereas the job hasn’t been simple, Pees’ protection has improved – even when not all of the numbers replicate it – and will solely proceed to get higher as his gamers perceive the protection much more.

However it doesn’t matter what, Pees is having extra enjoyable teaching than he can be if he have been a politician – largely as a result of he actually enjoys the gamers he is working with.

You possibly can comply with Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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