The Atlanta Falcons are headed into a huge game this weekend being played internationally, taking on the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain where the whole world will be watching.

Coming off such an ugly performance last week, it's a wonderful opportunity to wipe the slate clean and be able to move on and earn a huge win against a strong team on a national stage. The Falcons are not taking the opportunity lightly, and while every game in this league is big, there is no denying this one has a little bit of extra meaning.

While most teams tend to moan and groan about playing a game overseas though and losing a home game, Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski is embracing the challenge and says he knows how big of an opportunity this is for the brand of the franchise.

"Yeah I love it," Stefanski said when asked how he feels about playing host to an international game. "We love being over here, we love that we're hosts this week. We feel very welcomed in this country. People have been amazing. We're excited to be here, this is a big deal for us."

While Stefanski may not be telling the whole truth about being happy with losing a game at home, it's clear he is not taking this opportunity lightly either and does legitimately like the fact that his team gets a different experience in a different country with a chance to introduce them to different fans.

Atlanta has been one of the most recognizable brands across football for years, but if they want to keep it that way, they are going to have to start winning on a level which has not been the case for some time now.

Stefanski was brought in to raise the floor of what this team has been, and in terms of perception across the league, winning a game like this presents an opportunity to make a major statement. Whether the Falcons were thrilled about being told they were headed across the pond or not is irrelevant, they are there now.

It seems Stefanski has embraced it and is trying to make the absolute most of every opportunity that comes towards him and his team. That is the right mindset for the head coach to have, and there is no doubt he is drilling that into his players with each passing day.

As this team gets ready to play this game, they do so with the knowledge that the world is watching, and that is the kind of opportunity that does not come around with a regular home game on a Sunday. If they can win, real conversations will be had about this team potentially being capable of making a run, and just as importantly, the Falcons brand will continue to grow outside the confines of the United States.