There's a lot of talk about the Falcons out there. The Internet, television, radio, print, billboards... when you're 6-0 you're going to be a topic of conversation.
There are those, however, that don't like what some are saying about the Falcons. Even at 6-0, there are still plenty of doubters and more than enough of them point to the Falcons' 2012 opponents' losing record this season as a primary reason for what is perceived as an inflation of the football team from Atlanta.
This idea of a lack of respect, the fact that Philadelphia is favored over Atlanta this weekend and the question 'Are the Falcons the best team in the NFL?' were all asked to the players during Wednesday's media session, as would be expected.
Center Todd McClure, the longest tenured Falcon, said point-blank "Yes" to the question regarding the Falcons being the best in the league.
Some fans wonder if the Falcons are upset about a perceived lack of respect or if they're hearing what's being said about their unbeaten team and are using it as fuel for their preparation fires. The short answer to that is no. Veteran wide receiver Roddy White, an outspoken individual if there ever was one, said the noise on the outside isn't breaking into their locker room.
"I don't pay attention to that," White said. "We're not one of those franchises like the Packers or the Bears; we haven't been playing football for like 90 years. We've got to ease into the situation. I really don't care what people think about our team. As long as we believe in this locker room, that's all that matters to me."
The steady-handed ways of the Falcons under head coach Mike Smith have resulted in four straight winning seasons and the even-keeled approach has helped the Falcons avoid the peaks and valleys that can sometimes strike franchises. It's also helped them get to 6-0 this season despite the fact they feel they haven't played their best football lately.
Heading into Week 8 against an opponent that has had the Falcons' number in recent seasons, until last year, Atlanta isn't concerned with the criticism or praise of anyone outside the walls of the locker room. There's a whole-hearted belief that they control their own destiny, despite what anyone else says.
"It's about us," McClure said. "If we go out there and take care of our business and do what we're supposed to do, we can play with anybody in this league."
