FLOWER BRANCH, Georgia | A quick tour of the Falcons’ locker room in suburban Atlanta is enough to appreciate the extent to which Matthew Bergeron has played in the big leagues. His locker neighbor to his left is none other than star tackle Grady Jarrett. A few steps across the street is Star Guardian Chris Lindstrom, who serves as his mentor. When it comes to colleagues’ fees, there are worse things!
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In the NFL, teams leave no detail to chance in meticulous preparation worthy of military warfare. It’s certainly no coincidence that Jarrett and the newcomer from Quebec are side by side in the locker room.
The same Jarrett has two Pro Bowls to his credit and is the 13th highest-earning player at his position. In Super Bowl 51, in a heartbreaking loss to the Patriots, he molested Tom Brady with three sacks, a record in playoffs history.
With the Falcons, Jarrett has a reputation for being a great professional, both in terms of training and mental preparation.
“For me he’s not Grady Jarrett, the star player. He is the man I sit next to, a mentor and friend who gives me advice on and off the field, such as my finances. It’s fun to learn from everyone,” emphasized Bergeron.
good battles
Tackle Grady Jarrett has excelled for the Falcons for several years and is good advice for Matthew Bergeron as a locker room neighbor. Getty Images via AFP
During what appeared to be a very physical Falcons training camp, Bergeron and Jarrett had some on-field battles as they played opposite teams in the trenches.
At 30 and entering his ninth NFL season, Jarrett has seen other players, but he quickly recognized the unique qualities of his 23-year-old teammate.
“Berg is quite a competitor! He is well built and very powerful. We worked together during camp and I couldn’t be happier to have him on the team. “I’m looking forward to seeing him in action in his first game and am confident that with his preparation this season he will show his full potential,” praised the veteran.
A guardian angel
Guard Chris Lindstrom has represented the Falcons in the Pro Bowl twice and will look to bring Matthew Bergeron to the same level. AFP
It is imperative for the Falcons that Bergeron reaches his maximum potential. Despite the quality of their offensive line, the left-back position he plays in was problematic last season. No fewer than six players have appeared in this position and it is imperative to find a solution to this revolving door.
To help Bergeron settle in, there’s nothing better than appointing him as his guardian angel, Chris Lindstrom, who was named to the second All-Star team last season and rewarded with a five-year, $105 million contract.
“Matt and I have a very good relationship. When he got here, I told him I would be a resource for him without being pushy. It was important to me that he never felt bad when he had questions. “Since he’s been here, he’s been incredible and his progress has been impressive,” he told the Journal, everyone smiling in front of his locker.
Even though Bergeron progressed as a starter even faster than expected due to guard Matt Hennessy’s injury, there is no charity in the NFL and Chris Lindstrom insists there was nothing in the stomach for the former Cégep de Thetford Mines.
“He 100% deserves his place because of the attitude he had from day one,” he said. Although he was a good choice, he never gave the impression that he was worth his salt and he fell for it. With a man like him, it’s easy to see the physical attributes, but you couldn’t have guessed he would be so hard-working.
Finally a first game
One theme that comes up unanimously when talking to Falcons players is that Bergeron quickly earned everyone’s respect as a rookie.
Entering his 10th season, veteran blocker Jake Matthews wants only one thing from Victoriavillois: to take the time to appreciate the magnitude of the moment when he jumps onto the field against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 1 p.m.
“For me, my beginnings are so blurry and I hope it won’t be the same for him. Playing as a rookie is a whole different ballgame.
“I often say that I am impressed and respect a lot of the things he has done so far. The first thing that comes to mind is his maturity. We don’t have to worry about him not coming here in the right working condition. He is mentally strong and I expect to play alongside him for a long time,” he said of the man who will be his neighbor on the left side of the offensive line.
Like returning to the starting point
FLOWER BRANCH, Georgia | According to Falcons position coach Matthew Bergeron, most people don’t realize what a big adjustment moving to the NFL can be, even for a talented player. “It’s like starting from scratch,” says Dwayne Ledford.
The man in charge of the Falcons’ offensive line met with the Journal in the Falcons’ press room and jokingly apologized for not knowing a single word of French.
Of course, having been forgiven for this perceived offense, his eyes quickly became animated as he spoke about his new protégé from Victoriaville.
“When I say everything has to start over when you get to the NFL, it’s not just about the football aspect. You come to a new team, in a new city, with new coaches and a new playing system. There are a lot of adjustments, but Berg has done a really good job,” he said.
Dwayne Ledford, offensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons. Stephane Cadorette
An agricultural machine
When Ledford began working with the Falcons in 2021, he took some of his players, such as Kaleb McGaty and Chris Lindstrom, under his wing and developed them magnificently.
Under his leadership, the Falcons gained 74.5 more rushing yards per game last season than the previous season. This is the most significant improvement for a team from season to season in the entire NFL since 2001.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Falcons’ offensive line was the best in the NFL in a running situation last year. This is the type of tutoring role Matthew Bergeron takes on, and Ledford is excited about his new project.
“He has had to adapt quickly and he is showing us every sign that he has adapted well to the position change. The ultimate test now is to apply it in season. I like that he asks the right questions when in doubt. “He wants to know everything and have answers in order to become the best possible player,” praised the coach.
Infectious good mood
In addition, no one is better able to describe his personality within the team than Ledford, who sees Bergeron every day in training and in meetings at work.
“He has a great personality and men tend to be attracted to him because he always has a smile on his face. He gives the impression that he doesn’t have bad days often. Berg isn’t the type to talk more than work. He observes a lot, he looks and listens before he speaks. His journey is unique and the boys love to ask him questions,” he explained.
IN SUMMARY…
A brand new changing room coming soon
FLOWER BRANCH, Georgia | Things can get hectic at times at the Falcons’ facility in Flowery Branch, 70 km north of Atlanta. Even in the middle of a press conference, the sounds of jackhammers and other construction tools can often be heard. It’s for a good cause, as the team is renewing several of its infrastructures, including the locker room, dining areas and a gym on two floors. It must be said that in March the NFL Players Association released a report on all teams’ facilities based on player ratings and the Falcons received a grade of D for their locker room and a grade of C- for their dining room. With a bill of 25 to 30 million, the next bulletin will be better.
In the kingdom of mustaches
FLOWER BRANCH, Georgia | Beards are fashionable on some sports teams. In other cases it is the mohawk, mullet or shaved heads. The mustache seems to be popular with the Falcons in Atlanta. It all started when head coach Arthur Smith wore this look at the start of training camp in July. Many followed suit, including offensive coordinator Dave Ragone. This initiative has multiplied among players who have decided to opt for stylized facial hair according to their taste. It’s good to gather all resources in one dressing room!
A trustworthy coordinator
FLOWER BRANCH, Georgia | Are the Falcons coaches dying at the idea of sending a green rookie like Matthew Bergeron into the Panthers’ box on Sunday? In the words of offensive coordinator Dave Ragone, there is no need to worry. “Matthew came ready, regardless of his rank in the team, as is expected of all our players. For young players like him, the most important thing is that he doesn’t make the same mistake twice. There will be mistakes, that is clear, but they must not be repeated. In the NFL, you are one of less than 1% of football players to reach this level. We have to keep this perspective in mind and enjoy the moment,” he pleaded.