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 points per game.

The Falcons' two wins prior to the Bills came against the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders, who were both playoff teams in the NFC last season. However, the Vikings were led by second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, making the second start of his career, and the Commanders had backup Marcus Mariota filling in for an injured Jayden Daniels. Therefore, it could be argued Atlanta had an easier defensive go in those matchups.

The same cannot be argued about the Bills, who are home to the league's reigning MVP in quarterback Josh Allen. Since the Bills drafted Allen with the No. 7 overall pick in 2018, he has led them to six consecutive playoff appearances. The only other quarterback in Bills history to accomplish that feat was Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, who did so during the franchise's dynastic run from 1988-93 that featured four trips to the Super Bowl. Allen's only season that didn't include a playoff game was his rookie year.

Well, the Falcons limited Allen to a 57.7% completion rate and a season-low 180 passing yards. He threw two touchdowns but also two interceptions. He was sacked a season-high four times.

"Every week is a test, and every team in the NFL is good. Right?" Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss said. "So, it wasn't the first test, but it's obviously a very good team that it was a test — and we showed up."

Sure did.

"They went out and executed their game plan," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. "They did a great job. I can't wait to watch the film to see all the execution and the things that we talked about come to life."

The Falcons have a quick turnaround this week, playing the San Francisco 49ers on the road Sunday in another prime-time game. Though the 49ers are currently plagued with injuries, including to quarterback Brock Purdy, they are another organization that will help confirm this Falcons defense is different. San Francisco has made the playoffs in four of the last six seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances.

Atlanta, meanwhile, is searching for its first playoff bid since 2017, which just so happens to be the last time the Falcons had a top-10 defense. That year, it ranked ninth in offensive yards allowed and rushing yards allowed per game, 12th in passing yards allowed per game and eighth in points allowed per game.

There's still a ways to go this season – 12 games, to be exact. So, it's too soon to declare the Falcons' defense as a finished product. Even defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich still expects more. One thing, though, is for sure: This unit has drastically raised the bar for itself.

"Obviously, we need to be consistent," Falcons inside linebacker Divine Deablo said. "But this is the team I envisioned."