Quebec guard Matthew Bergeron only had one season to acclimatize to the rigors of the NFL and now the Atlanta Falcons have chosen to clean house by changing head coach. It’s a difficult reality of his new job, but one that the young Victoriavillois welcomes with great optimism.
• Read also: NFL: a market for running backs
• Read also: Cam Newton fought with teenagers during youth football tournament
After enjoying a bit of respite at home with his family to recover from his first season on the Goodell circuit, Bergeron did not take long to return to training in California.
It was therefore far from the Falcons headquarters that he learned of the hiring of Raheem Morris as the team’s new driver on January 25.
“He has a very good reputation in the NFL. The players are really excited to play for coach Morris. Not all coaches receive so many positive comments. He coached in Atlanta, so a few teammates have talked to me about him and have nothing but good things to say about him,” the offensive lineman commented in a telephone interview with The newspaper.
Belichick rumors
Morris was actually part of the Falcons coaching staff, from 2015 to 2020, in both defensive and offensive roles. He had already received his first opportunity as head coach in Tampa from 2009 to 2011 and spent the last three seasons as defensive coordinator of the Rams.
Before the Falcons set their sights on him, they interviewed a certain Bill Belichick twice. Many concluded too quickly that the legendary coach would get the job, which makes Bergeron smile.
“He had the most fame and media attention, but he wasn’t the only one to get two interviews. I really didn’t jump to conclusions,” he says.
Amid all the commotion, Bergeron is pleased that offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford remained on the job.
“I’m going to arrive for spring training without looking for my bearings. Sure, there’s a new coaching staff, but my position coach stayed. The play of the offensive line is recognized and we will be able to continue with the same technique. It takes away a form of pressure,” he said.
An honorable exit
Even though he says he is very motivated by the organizational changes that have been made, Bergeron experienced it all with a certain pang. After all, outgoing head coach Arthur Smith remains the one who gave him his first chance.
“It’s hard to find why it didn’t work. He met us before leaving and as he told us, he signed for it. You never know when it’s over. It’s part of the game when the results aren’t there. He will have other opportunities. Coach Smith had a great relationship with everyone. I really appreciate it,” Bergeron said.
Lack of consistency
Still, the Falcons found themselves in a position where significant change seemed inevitable, after a third straight season with a 7-10 record.
The team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017 and has won just one of its last five games of the campaign.
“There is no secret and no miracle solution. All I know is that last season we were inconsistent and we’re going to need consistency. We have to become an attack that does better than flashes here and there,” analyzed Bergeron.
Falcons rookie of the year: great recognition
Photo credit: Photo Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons
Matthew Bergeron will never be one to throw flowers for individual honors, but his Falcons rookie of the year title is certainly not to be refused.
Since his rookie teammate and good friend Bijan Robinson inherited the team’s offensive player title thanks to his production as a running back, the door was open for Bergeron to win rookie of the year.
“It warms my heart that the team recognizes my season, but we must not rest on our laurels. I want to continue to improve and there is still a lot of room for improvement. Every day, I learned, whether on the field or in my daily life in Atlanta,” mentioned Bergeron to this effect.
The likeable guard has clearly lived up to expectations in his first year. Not only did he earn a starting position, but he played 99.91% of his team’s offensive games, a team high.
From rookie to veteran
It got to the point where on December 10 against the Buccaneers, he became the only early season starter on the Falcons offensive line who was still standing. Several teammates fell at the front along the way.
“You go from being the rookie asking questions to the guy with the most experience who everyone is asking questions to. It was different, but I definitely know the playbook and I was ready for that moment,” he said with a laugh.
Bergeron believes he escaped relatively unscathed, in terms of physical abuse.
“I enjoyed taking time with my family and friends. It feels good mentally to take a break from football because I’ve been at it non-stop for a year and a half. Physically, it allowed me to recover from some injuries from the season. Knock on wood, it went well on this side, but there are only 17 games left, it leaves its mark. There, I really feel 100%.”
In the coming weeks, Falcons fans will look to the free agent market and the draft for hope that the team improves its roster. The situation at the quarterback position will be particularly worth monitoring.
Bergeron emphasizes that he will take a look at the different personnel movements, without necessarily being glued to his cell phone or the television.
“I’m a football fan and I watch the news like everyone else, but I don’t have control over what the team is going to do, so I don’t think I follow that to the letter. We always need help to bring new energy to the team, but I have to stay focused on what I have to do to be a better player next season,” he concluded wisely.
2024-02-27 16:36:26
#Matthew #Bergeron #motivated #play #Falcons #coach
