Not so long ago, offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron defended the colors of the Filons of the Cégep de Thetford, far from suspecting that he would be entering the biggest football stadiums in the NFL from 2023. His dream of playing in the best league in the world having now been achieved, the pride of Victoriaville welcomes its role as a model for the next generation of Quebecers with humility and passion.
On the NFL fields in 2023, there were two starting players from Quebec, Bergeron and Benjamin St-Juste, of the Washington Commanders. So, for young athletes here, seeing a young man like Bergeron succeed in establishing himself in the best football league, it brings a certain role model status, which the Victoriaville resident achieved once the year was over.
Things happened so quickly. It’s a busy schedule, NFL season. I didn’t take the time to watch and appreciate the moment. On the other hand, after the campaign, when I came home and saw the impact it had on young people and football fans here, I noticed that it was something ‘big enough.
Matthew Bergeron
Naturally down to earth, the 6’5″ and 323 lb colossus does not seem suffocated by the spotlight, quite the contrary. Rather, it is a reality that he uses to surpass himself as an athlete in order to show the way to those who would one day like to follow in his footsteps.
“It motivated me to work, because I feel that there are several people who see me as a role model. […] When you’re a football player or a professional athlete, there are more eyes on you, that’s obvious. There are lots of ways to deal with it, but I welcomed it, I can use it. It’s support and motivation. Not everyone in Quebec reaches the NFL. Yes, there will be good and bad comments, which can be annoying, but you have to focus on the positive and work. »
PHOTO STÉPHANE LESSARD, LE NOUVELLISTE ARCHIVES
Matthew Bergeron
Convincing results from the start
Selected at 38e ranked in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, Bergeron showed up in Georgia to offer a hot fight to Matt Hennessy for the starting job at left guard. Hennessy suffered a significant injury which opened the door for Bergeron to play the first game of the season. From that moment on, Bergeron delivered sparkling performances, even managing to be one of the five most effective players at his position, according to the specialized site Pro Football Focus.
It’s one thing to get into a starting role, but it’s another to maintain it. It’s difficult, but I’m proud to have succeeded. They didn’t go and get anyone else in the draft or free agents. They see that I am young and that I am improving.
Matthew Bergeron
So, when he thinks back to the 2023 campaign, where the Falcons posted a record of seven wins and ten losses, the former Victoriaville Vicas considers having progressed throughout the year.
“There have been ups and downs, individually and collectively. It was a dream to play in the NFL and I achieved it. When you realize a dream, a new one presents itself. After reaching the NFL, I set new personal goals for myself. When I look back at my first season, the word that comes to mind is improvement. It’s been consistent throughout the schedule and that’s a key thing in the NFL. Coaches want to see progression, that you care about your work and want to be better. It doesn’t matter what the results or the statistics are, the main thing is to improve. »
Throughout the 2023 calendar, Bergeron has had to repel sustained charges from his opponents. And in the NFL, there is no shortage of dominant defensive players. However, the first name that comes to mind when thinking about his biggest challenge of the year is Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derek Brown.
“I faced several guys who have some fame this year. I think one of the best I’ve come across is Derek Brown, a player who can create a lot of problems and gets paid for it. I was impressed that I had to block him. It was hard ! »
A training that has big hopes in 2024
Since 2017, the year following their defeat in Super Bowl LI, the Falcons have not had a single winning season, amassing no more than seven victories between 2018 and 2023. Quietly, Atlanta has been able to adding good pieces, equipping itself with a powerful offensive line, a solid ball carrier in Bijan Robinson, in addition to significantly improving its defense.
The only thing missing was a quality quarterback to allow the club’s talented receivers to shine. The Falcons remedied the situation by investing heavily in this position in recent weeks.
PHOTO NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Kirk Cousins
They first offered a golden bridge, i.e. 180 million over four years, to veteran Kirk Cousins, one of the six best passers in the NFL since 2020. Almost 36 years old and returning from a torn neck. Achilles tendon, Cousins should offer a good level to the Falcons for a few more seasons, which will allow Michael Penix, eighth choice in the last draft, to get comfortable before being entrusted with control of the offensive.
“It’s going to be a big change for our offense. Cousins will introduce a certain mentality and maturity to our offense, things that we have been lacking. I can’t wait to see it in action here. He is a leader who unites everyone. All players, regardless of their age, have confidence in him. He can get us to a playoff appearance and, fingers crossed, a Super Bowl appearance. »
With Cousins at the helm, Atlanta has a roster equipped to be able to play for the National Association South Division title against second-tier teams, namely the Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The door is open and the Falcons are the favorites to win their division.
“Expectations are high. Everyone knows we can be in the fight for the title of our division. This is the basis for the playoffs. It’s our goal to have the banner in 2024.”