Matthew Bergeron multiplies the discoveries in his first season in the NFL. New position, new city, new team, new environment and new league. What the Victoriaville guard wants more than anything is another addition to the roster with a playoff spot.
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“I would describe it as a time of learning. For me, it's really a learning experience in all facets of my life,” summarized Bergeron during a video conference interview organized by the Falcons with some Quebec journalists at the end of a team practice in Atlanta.
The 23-year-old, who helped shape all of his team's offensive plays at the start of his team's 13 games, repeatedly described the rolling fire of the last few months as “unbelievable”.
On a mission
What would certainly round off the experience would be to experience the big tournament in January. The Falcons have not clinched a playoff spot since 2017 and, with a record of six wins and seven losses, are in a three-way tie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints in the South Division.
The group winners meet in the playoffs and Bergeron likes to dream of a duel without tomorrow in his second home, in Atlanta. There are only four games left, against the Panthers (1-12), Colts (7-6), Bears (5-8) and Saints (6-7).
“Everything is ahead of us. As a rookie, it's really exciting to play in such big games. I was never really in the playoffs in my college career or even in high school. “It's the first time I've played football this late in December and it's really incredible to be involved in games with such high stakes,” he said.
No presents
Matthew Bergeron has always been at the top since the preseason games. Photo Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons
Even though it's not yet time to take stock of the season in the final stretch, Bergeron returned to what has characterized him since his NFL debut.
What stood out most to him was undoubtedly the competitiveness on a weekly basis.
“That’s what I learned as a rookie in the NFL. It's really hard to win. There are no guaranteed matches. Half of the league is 6-7 (six teams) or 7-6 (seven teams).
“What strikes me most is that most of our games are played in the last minutes and seconds. “You always have to expect a duel,” said the man who was actually involved in nine games decided by a single possession.
A great support
Three of the Falcons' last four games are played on the road. Photo Shanna Lockwood / Atlanta Falcons
For Bergeron, another strong moment was the big landing in New York of around fifteen buses, including two from Victoriaville, full of Quebec fans supporting him against the Jets on December 3rd.
“It was something really incredible. I have to admit that I am very lucky as an athlete. Not all athletes at my level have the same support behind them.”
“I come from Victoriaville, a small town, and Quebec, a close-knit province. People support their local athletes and it was really special to see everyone wearing the 65 jersey. I got a lot of comments from my teammates. It's really close to my heart and even though I couldn't thank everyone, I tried to see as many as possible after the game,” he said.
On December 24th, the Falcons play the only one of their last four games, which will take place in Atlanta, and Bergeron will then take the opportunity to receive his family to celebrate Christmas at home.
However, he will have to wait until January 7th before receiving his most anticipated gift: a playoff spot at the end of the regular schedule.