Falcons have best record in NFC, but lack attention

For example, when Baltimore lost to the Falcons, the focus was on what the Ravens did wrong.

"I want them to keep us on the low," White said. "We're on the low right now. We don't want no target. Ask the Cowboys about that target."

The Cowboys are 2-7 after drawing consideration as a preseason Super Bowl contender.

"They don't have to talk about us," wide receiver Mike Jenkins said.

However, national respect will come if the Falcons keep winning.

"I feel like we've got the momentum going for us," safety Thomas DeCoud said. "Things are going in the right direction. We just have to stay humble, focused and keep the train going down the right track."

Road presents challenge

The Falcons, undefeated (5-0) at home this season and 18-3 overall under third-year head coach Mike Smith, will be playing on the road most of the time through Dec. 19.

The Falcons will play four of their next five games away from home. After traveling to St. Louis, they will host Green Bay on Nov. 28 and then play at Tampa Bay (Dec. 5), Carolina (Dec. 12) and Seattle (Dec. 19). The Falcons close out the season with home games against New Orleans (Dec. 27) and Carolina (Jan. 2).

Count the last two exhibition games, Smith noted, and the Falcons played six of eight games on the road to open the season.

"Playing on the road is a big challenge," Smith said.

The Falcons are 2-2 in opposing stadiums this season. They beat New Orleans and Cleveland and lost to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Peelle returns to practice

Tight end Justin Peelle, who is recovering from sports hernia surgery, returned to practice on Monday and his involvement was limited.

"We will see how he handles the work load and see if he makes it through the next couple of days," Smith said.

Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon did not practice because of a knee injury, but is close to returning.

"We anticipate that he will get a chance to practice before the end of the week and we'll have to make a decision as we get closer to the weekend," Smith said.

Jenkins good for late grab

Jenkins' late catch against the Ravens was on the same route he ran to help the Falcons beat Chicago in 2008 in the final 12 seconds.

"This one was probably a tougher catch," Jenkins said. "I had my fingertips on it and I knew that I had it. It was a great ball. He put only where I could get it. The line gave him time. We needed that play."

Ryan radiates confidence

With each come-from-behind victory, Matt Ryan's reputation grows.

"Matt just came over right after they scored and said, 'Hey, let's go down here to do whatever we need to do; we have to score and win this thing,'" wide receiver Brian Finneran said. "For some reason, this team never doubts that we are out of the game."