Falcons Vs. Redskins: Mike Smith knows respect will come with playoff success

The Atlanta Falcons are 5-0 for the first time in franchise history, but are they getting the respect an undefeated team deserves? While some would argue the team is not, Falcons head coach Mike Smith understands why.

In a phone conversation with Mike Florio of NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk, Falcons head coach Mike Smith knows the team will not get the respect it deserves until the team has success in the postseason.

"We have not played well in the second season," Smith told PFT by phone after Sunday's 24-17 win over the Redskins, in reference to the team's 0-3 postseason mark since 2008. "We've got to continue to play well now. We'll worry about the season season when it comes."

The Falcons will host the Oakland Raiders next week before having a bye week. The team certainly appears to be playing their way into the playoffs again, giving Atlanta an opportunity to excise some of their playoffs demons.