After marching their way past their first three opponents on the way to a 3-0 record to start the season, the Atlanta Falcons needed a late fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Carolina Panthers, 30-28, on Sunday, but produced an effort in the hard-fought victory that coach Mike Smith was more than pleased with.

"It was a very good sign for our group. Just shows that we are never out of it and I like to say there was never a doubt, but you have to keep a positive attitude," Smith told reporters in a post-game press conference. "The guys kept fighting and as long as there's time on the clock, we got to have the mindset and we do as a football team that we can do it."

As quarterback Matt Ryan did, Smith was quick with praise for wide receiver Roddy White, whose 169 yards and two touchdowns and two long-distance receptions provided much of the Falcons' offense.

Those two catches were as about as good as any catches you will see, the ability to adjust on the football when the ball is in the air, that's why he's been a Pro Bowl receiver for the last four years," Smith said.

With a tough schedule ahead, Smith was glad to see that the Falcons could come from behind to win on Sunday after having an easy time of things against their three previous opponents.

"It's great to know that you're going to be able to handle the edge and flows of NFL football game," Smith said. "It was just a matter of time before we were going to have to play from behind."