The Atlanta Falcons are undefeated, 7-0. Future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez wants to make sure you -- and more importantly, we -- take notice.
"Is the national media making a big deal about us like they would if it was Philly, Green Bay or New England? No, they're not," Gonzalez said Thursday, according to USA Today Sports. "We played Philly and beat them. And Philly was on TV all week."
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Valid point. While Matt Ryan did visit "NFL AM" this week to discuss the Falcons season and his MVP chances, we have talked a lot about Michael Vick here at NFL Media.
"We don't care," Gonzalez said. "Our goals are bigger than just getting national media attention. They'll recognize us if we go where we want to go. I've day-dreamed about raising that Lombardi Trophy. I can see it in my mind."
The 16-year pro is desperate to culminate this season with a championship. He said before the season that he was "95 percent sure" this would be the final year of his career.
Gonzalez said that while the Falcons are undefeated, they will continue to find ways to improve.
"We have a complete team," said the former Kansas City Chiefs first-round draft pick, who needs four catches to reach 50 for the 15th straight season. "I like our chances. But at the same time, we're very, very far away, and we have to keep getting better."
One reason the Falcons are flying under the radar, even at 7-0, continues to be past playoff performances. Atlanta has had successful regular seasons with Ryan under center, but has bombed in the playoffs -- losing by an average of more than 18 points per game in three appearances.
Ryan and the entire Falcons organization have justifiably brushed aside the playoff questions this early in the season. But if they continue their perfect season, the questions will become more weighty.
"It's about getting hot, playing good football come playoff time," Gonzalez said. "Our goal isn't to go undefeated. Like, 'Hey, we're going to have an undefeated season.' Our goal is to win every game we're playing. And there's a difference. You take it one game at a time because it's the most important game of the season. If we keep that attitude, carry it into the playoffs, hopefully, it takes care of itself. The time is now. It better be now.
"Because," he added, "after this year, I'm not playing anymore."
Follow Kevin Patra on Twitter @kpatra
