Quebec guard Matthew Bergeron has only had one season to acclimate to the rigors of the NFL, and now the Atlanta Falcons have decided to come clean with a head coach change. It is a difficult reality of his new job, but one that the young Victoriavillois welcomes with great optimism.
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After enjoying a little downtime at home with his family to recover from his first season on the Goodell circuit, it wasn't long before Bergeron returned to training in California.
So on January 25, far from the Falcons' headquarters, he learned of the hiring of Raheem Morris as the team's new driver.
“He has a very good reputation in the NFL. The players are excited to play for Coach Morris. Not all trainers receive so many positive comments. He was training in Atlanta, so a few teammates talked to me about him and said nothing but good things about him,” the offensive lineman commented during a phone interview with Le Journal.
Belichick rumors
Morris was actually on the Falcons' coaching staff from 2015 to 2020, both on defense and offense. He got his first head coaching opportunity in Tampa from 2009 to 2011 and spent the last three seasons as the Rams' defensive coordinator.
Before the Falcons targeted him, they interviewed one Bill Belichick twice. Many jumped to the conclusion 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 who got two interviews. I really didn’t jump to conclusions,” he says.
Despite all the excitement, Bergeron is pleased that offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford has stayed on.
“I will come to spring training looking for guidance. Sure, there is a new coaching staff, but my position coach has stayed. The offensive line's play is recognized and we can continue with the same technique. It takes some of the pressure off,” he said.
An honorable exit
Although he says he is very motivated by the organizational changes that have been made, Bergeron experienced it all with some pain. After all, it's still outgoing head coach Arthur Smith who gave him his first chance.
“It's hard to figure out why it didn't work. He met us before he left and, as he told us, 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 options. Coach Smith had a great relationship with everyone. I really appreciate it,” Bergeron said.
Lack of consistency
Still, after a third straight season with a 7-10 record, the Falcons found themselves in a situation where significant change seemed inevitable.
The team hasn't made the playoffs since 2017 and has won just one of its final five games of the season.
“There is no secret and no miracle solution. All I know is that we were inconsistent last season and we will need consistency. “We have to become an offense that does better than here and there,” analyzed Bergeron.
Falcons rookie of the year: great recognition
Photo Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons
Matthew Bergeron will never be one to throw flowers for individual awards, but his title as Falcons Rookie of the Year is certainly undeniable.
With his rookie teammate and good friend Bijan Robinson inheriting the team's offensive lineman title thanks to his performance 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 cannot rest on our laurels. I want to continue to improve and there is still a lot of room for improvement. “I learned something new every day, whether on the field or in my daily life in Atlanta,” said Bergeron.
The likeable guard clearly lived up to expectations in his first year. Not only did he secure a starting spot, but he also played 99.91% of his team's offensive plays, a team best.
From newbie to veteran
It got to the point where, on December 10th against the Buccaneers, he was the only early starter still standing on the Falcons' offensive line. Several teammates crashed along the way at the front.
“You go from a beginner who asks questions to a man with the most experience who asks questions of everyone. It was different, but I definitely knew the playbook and was ready for that moment,” he said with a laugh.
Bergeron believes he survived the physical abuse relatively unscathed.
“I enjoyed spending time with my family and friends. It's good mentally to take a break from football because I've been playing non-stop for a year and a half. Physically, I was able to recover from some injuries during the season. Knock on wood, things have been going well on that side, but there are only 17 games left, it's leaving its mark. I really feel 100% about that.”
In the coming weeks, Falcons fans will look to the free agent market and the draft to hope that the team improves its roster. The situation at the quarterback position in particular will be worth monitoring.
Bergeron emphasizes that he will take a look at the various 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 have no control over what the team is going to do, so I don't think I follow it exactly. We always need help to bring new energy to the team, but I have to focus on what I have to do to be a better player next season,” he concluded wisely.