For the second time in his young career, Matthew Bergeron is experiencing a change of regime with the Falcons. This time, it is a complete housecleaning that is carried out in Atlanta, a situation which plunges the Victoriaville guard into uncertainty, but which he attacks with the hope of a better future.
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“We are going back to square one,” noted Bergeron, in an interview with The Journalwhen we told him that things were brewing in Atlanta these days.
The Falcons finished their campaign with an 8-9 record and were thus excluded from the playoffs for an eighth consecutive year.
Head coach Raheem Morris was fired, as was general manager Terry Fontenot. Morris was just replaced by Kevin Stefanski, who led the Browns for the last six seasons, being named head coach of the year twice.
As president of the team, the Falcons made noise by naming their ex-quarterback Matt Ryan, an icon in the city.
Even Bergeron’s position coach, Dwayne Ledford, based in Atlanta since 2021, did not survive the purge.
“Last time it was just the head coach [Arthur Smith] who had left. There, they chose to do a complete cleaning. It’s significant. It shows the intention of our owner [Arthur Blank] to absolutely win,” commented Bergeron, back home before heading to California for his off-season training.
Situation difficile
The one who has just concluded an excellent third season in the NFL would of course have hoped for more stability, but understands the desire for a change of guard in the organization.
“Everyone was 100% behind our head coach and he still had control of the locker room,” assured Bergeron.
“A few games got away from us and with a win or two more in the last two years, we would be in the playoffs and we wouldn’t be talking about it.”
“As for my position coach, I had really developed a great relationship with him and it’s difficult to see him leave. Although I don’t agree with the decision because our offensive line has performed year after year, I understand that it is a business“, he continued.
What’s new
With the arrival of Stefanski, who brings with him renowned coach Bill Callahan to lead the offensive line, Bergeron expects a significant change in the Falcons’ system of play.
“I am 100% behind these hires,” he said, emphasizing at the same time that he expects a very demanding off-season in terms of adaptation and training costs.
“It’s unknown. It’s a little less relaxing than usual when you have your routine and you go in the off season. There, we’re a bit in the dark, but that’s part of our job. You have to learn the new system, the new techniques, the game book. You have to look at it with a positive mind and see the bright side of things. For me it’s a new challenge and I think there’s nothing I can’t do.”
A crucial contract year
As a second-round pick in 2023, Matthew Bergeron will enter his fourth season in the NFL, which means he is eligible for a new contract. The next few months promise to be critical for its future.
Let us be clear, Bergeron is not in danger. A well-established player for three years as a starting left guard for the Falcons, he has already taken part in 49 games and continues to improve.
The fact remains that the famous second contract is the one that every player in the NFL covets. But who says new regime says that a young player must prove himself again.
“It’s part of the gamewe must not lie to ourselves. It’s sad that these changes have happened at this time in my career.
“The new coaches bring a new system of play that I haven’t been used to. We’ll see how it goes and for the future, if it’s not in Atlanta, it will have to be somewhere else. I have to demonstrate why I have been up for the last three years,” explained Bergeron.
Still progressing
This season, the former Filons du Cégep de Thetford Mines suffered an ankle injury which caused him to miss two matches, but apart from this obstacle, he considers that he has continued his progress as a player.
“Since I arrived, I continue to improve, even if I am not yet where I would like to be and that is why the off-season is going to be very important. If the next general manager is interested in my services, that would be perfect, but you always have to keep all doors open,” reiterated Bergeron.
The playoffs in the sights
Obviously, Bergeron dreams of participating in the playoffs, which are currently in full swing.
This season, the Falcons have defeated big names like the Bills and the Rams. They lost by one point to the Patriots.
However, they were shut out 30-0 against the Panthers and were upset by weaker teams like the Jets and Dolphins.
So what ingredient is missing for the recipe leading to the playoffs?
“That’s a good question… Every top athlete plays to win. Everyone would trade a good personal season for a playoff appearance. Especially since in Atlanta, we’ve been waiting for this for a long time.
“We have ample opportunities and talent, but we lack consistency. That’s what we need to look for,” Bergeron reflected.
