(Atlanta) Matthew Bergeron and Bijan Robinson were both selected in the most recent NFL Draft. The Quebecer was called exactly 30 ranks after the American. However, today, in the locker room, the primacy of the selection no longer matters.
Bijan Robinson was not available to members of the media after Falcons practice Thursday because he had spoken to reporters earlier this week.
However, his outlook changed when the representative of The Press still went to approach him at his locker to ask him a few words about Bergeron.
“Ah, for Berg, it’s good. Are you from Montreal too? “, he said, getting up, while presenting his hand so that we could shake it.
PHOTO PAUL SANCYA, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Bijan Robinson
“With Berg, as soon as we arrived, we became very close. He’s such a good person. Our two personalities complement each other well. It’s a perfect match,” explained the star running back.
If they got along so well from the start, it was mainly because they had the same goal: to prove to their bosses that their early selection in the draft had been wise.
This chemistry must also translate to the field, because after all, it is Bergeron, among others, who clears a path for Robinson when he runs with the ball. And the 21-year-old assures that this is the case: “We want to become each other’s best friend, because it’s also useful on the pitch. He is so friendly. Basically, there are just two of us dudes who like to play football. Since training camp, we have become like brothers. »
A mark of respect
The Falcons have a winning record of three wins and two losses after five games. A somewhat surprising performance. But the chemistry seems to be working, and the youth is proactive within this brigade.
The contribution of a player like Bergeron on the offensive line has something to do with it.
There have been ups and downs, but what I’m most proud of is that I don’t give up. I continue to work, I am very involved. At every practice, every meeting, every video session, I take as many notes as possible. I really take this to heart.
Matthew Bergeron, in the Falcons locker room
Bergeron managed to gain the respect of his teammates in particular thanks to this determination and seriousness. As a player drafted early in the second round, he obviously lived with some pressure to perform.
“Obviously when you’re drafted high enough, you’re expected to help the team quickly. […] I think the guys saw that I wasn’t giving up,” continued the 23-year-old.
And on a relatively young offensive line, Bergeron’s attention to detail makes all the difference. At least that’s the opinion of Robinson, who can benefit from it every week. “He is very aggressive. He wants to be the best on the field, and it shows. It applies so much to all games. »
So much so that during their game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the beginning of October, Bergeron didn’t even take the time to visit the English capital with his teammates because he was so busy studying the playbook.
PHOTO STEVE LUCIANO, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Matthew Bergeron
But even if he is extremely diligent and determined to understand the game system, he still has to translate this learning into success on the field. And he is doing it well. To hear Robinson say, Bergeron is a force of nature.
“He’s strong, he’s fast and he already plays a big role,” said the running back. He is one of the most athletic players on the team. It’s surprising that someone is so strong at this stage of their career. It is impossible to move on the line. Having this guy to block is the best thing that could have happened to me. »
Confidence and progress
Unlike quarterbacks, running backs or receivers, offensive linemen can hardly rely on statistics to evaluate their performance and progress.
In Bergeron’s case, he notes his journey first with trust. “The more confidence you have in yourself, the more you know you can execute the plays, so you know you’re getting better. It’s the NFL. In a match, you will fall, but progress is knowing how to get back up and learn from your mistakes. Especially for a rookie,” he observes.
As a rookie, the most complicated thing was assimilating the playbook. If some players fear the speed of the game or the power of their rivals, the Quebecer admitted to having been impressed to see how the strategies are constantly evolving. “It’s the process of learning the playbook in a really minimal amount of time. You have to analyze the defense, your own usefulness, the variations of the games, and you have to do it quickly. But from week to week, we improve. »
Bergeron knows too well that in the NFL, every player is in an ejection seat. But the Victoriaville native works too hard to be afraid. He is on the lookout, but not overly bothered. “The guys we play every game, they’re the best in the world at what they do, they’re paid millions of dollars, they’re professional athletes, they do their homework. »
In the meantime, Matthew Bergeron can count on the unwavering support and blessing of Bijan Robinson. And as long as the running back has success, it will be at least a little thanks to Bergeron.