ATLANTA | The dream has come true. Not only did Matthew Bergeron look good in his first NFL game as a starting guard, but he experienced the height of happiness by reveling in a 24-10 victory for the Falcons against the Panthers, in his baptism of fire in Atlanta .
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In a sober locker room after the match, Bergeron obviously looked tired, but still seemed in great physical shape. However, the shock was extremely physical.
Many times pitted against star tackle Derrick Brown and Deshawn Williams, the pride of Victoriaville was often the aggressor and never seemed intimidated by the magnitude of the challenge before him.
“I think I was consistent throughout the match. There were a few specific mistakes at the end when they switched defensive fronts, but overall I’m proud of my performance in a first NFL game and I know I’ll build on that.
“I didn’t give up, I performed and I wasn’t dominated. I proved that I could play among these players. A first match is never perfect, but I am happy with what I accomplished,” he said with the smile of a satisfied player.
Not a little proud, Matthew Bergeron had an easy smile when the Journal met him after the Falcons’ victory. Stephane Cadorette
A period of adjustment
Obviously, everything has not always been rosy, neither for Bergeron nor for the Falcons. The attack, despite its explosive potential, remains very young and inexperienced.
The ground game produced 75 yards and two touchdowns for sophomore running back Tyler Allgeier and 56 yards for electrifying freshman Bijan Robinson. Second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder, however, was limited to 115 yards and one touchdown pass. He was the victim of four sacks, but Bergeron was not responsible for any of them.
“I saw it as a learning period. There were good games and bad games. I just need to correct the errors related to my technique. This match will allow me to build my confidence for the next 16 matches,” said Bergeron.
“We are a physical team that runs the ball a lot. After one game like that, we feel a little tired, but we have the facilities here to take care of ourselves. As I no longer have classes, I will have time to take care of my body,” he continued.
Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons
Defense gifts
In total, six offensive sequences generated fewer than 10 yards. The Falcons were, however, opportunistic in scoring their first 17 points following turnovers caused on defense by newcomer, safety Jessie Bates.
After Bates’ first of two interceptions, the Falcons had just 17 yards to go for the touchdown, Robinson’s first career touchdown on an 11-yard reception.
Bates did it again at the very end of the third quarter by causing a fumble at midfield. Allgeier moments later scored his first of two rushing touchdowns, with a graceful Bergeron joining him in celebration.
“We scored our points on turnovers and that gave us a chance. It’s a team sport. Our offense didn’t go as well in the first half, but we bounced back in the second half. I am happy to experience this first victory,” commented the Quebecer, who is delighted to block for this dangerous tandem on the ground.
A wealth of experience
All in all, the 23-year-old young player will certainly be marked by his first steps in the NFL.
“There was a little bit of nervousness at the start, but once you get through the first play, you fall into routine mode, and then you just roll and roll and roll. A guy like Derrick Brown is a great test. It was a battle. He got me and I got him. To see him in front of me doing thrash talk, it was different from past years. It’s incredible!”, savored the one who described this match as a “learning period.”
Hats off, Sidy Sow!
It should be noted, after all, Bergeron was not the only Quebecer to become a starter in his first game in the NFL.
In New England, Bromont native Sidy Sow was thrust into the heat of the action as the two guards, Cole Strange and Michael Onwenu, were forced to forfeit.
Sow, selected in the fourth round last April by the Patriots, also experienced his baptism, as right guard.
It was quite a day for Quebec football!
2023-09-10 22:24:57
#proud #performance #Matthew #Bergeron
