Although Atlanta Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox emphasized how his unit has to do a better overall job, he's not totally disappointed with the line effort in terms of run defense.

The Falcons enter Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions in London ranked 27th in the league in run defense, allowing 137.7 rushing yards per game. But the number that makes Cox feel a little more at ease is 4.12 rushing yards per play, where the Falcons are ranked 16th out of 32 teams.

"We've gotten into some positions and situations where teams have been able to run the ball in volume 30 and 35 and 40 and 45 times, but when you look at the yards-per-carry average, it's not that bad," Cox said. "We've just been in positions where we've been down or we've been in positions where teams have been able to just run the ball for volume because they've had a lead on us. ... But we haven't given up the big runs.''

Well, the defensive line was responsible for at least one explosive run in Week 4 against Minnesota, when Vikings rookie Jerick McKinnon broke lose for a 55-yard pickup. A defensive lineman was out of his gap.

Still, Cox sees reason to be encouraged.

"The yards-per-carry averages, it could be better," he said. "But I'm excited about that. I think if we can improve on that some more, it will lend to us having a better run defense, which will help us overall as a unit."

The Lions, who have relied on their defense, sits 31st in the league in rushing at 82.4 yards per game. Running backs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell averaged 3.5 and 3.3 yards per carry, respectively. And Bush is dealing with an ankle injury, so his status in unclear.