Falcons OL Matthew Bergeron Playing 'Really Good' as Rookie Season Closes
When Atlanta Falcons left guard Matthew Bergeron jogged to the sideline ahead of a 3rd and 3 in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 29-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, it marked a key milestone.
The ensuing play - an incomplete pass from quarterback Taylor Heinicke - was the first offensive snap Bergeron has missed in his professional career.
The 23-year-old Bergeron's rookie season has largely come and gone without much noise, which is often viewed as a positive for offensive linemen.
But Falcons coach Arthur Smith broke the silence Wednesday, pivoting midway through his answer to a question about rookie defensive end Zach Harrison to praise the work Bergeron's put in.
“We don’t talk a lot about Matt Bergeron, but Berg has played really good football,” Smith said. “Some good lessons and has been fortunate to play some really good players, and I think he’s done a good job.”
Oct 1, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Atlanta Falcons guard Matthew Bergeron (65) defends against Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris (95) in the first half during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Bergeron, selected in the second round of April's draft, is the only player on Atlanta's offense who's been on the field for at least 1,000 snaps, speaking to the stability he's provided to a position that had four different players receive starts last season.
The 6-5, 323-pound Bergeron has allowed four sacks, seven quarterback hits and 27 total pressures while being penalized four times, per Pro Football Focus.
In the five games following Atlanta's bye week, Bergeron has given up just one quarterback hit and six pressures.
Perhaps most impressive, Bergeron's step forward has come while facing a murderer's row of defensive tackles, including New York Jets standout Quinnen Williams, Carolina Panthers staple Derrick Brown and Indianapolis Colts star DeForest Buckner.
Smith previously noted Bergeron would find out a lot about himself with some of the higher-profile matchups - and along the way, Smith's learned quite a bit about his young left guard, too.
“The last couple of weeks, he’s had some premier guys inside,” Smith said. “Buckner is certainly one of them, and (Bergeron) continues to get better.”
Bergeron's graded at 59.4 overall by Pro Football Focus, making him the NFL's 42nd-best offensive guard. He comes in at 60.3 as a run blocker and 57.2 as a pass protector.
The former Syracuse standout is the No. 3-rated rookie guard, trailing only New England Patriots draftee Sidy Sow and Tennessee Titans first-round pick Peter Skoronski.
And yet, numbers only tell half the story for Bergeron, who's still in his first season playing guard after spending four years at offensive tackle for Syracuse.
Atlanta knew the Victoriaville, Canada, native was in for a learning curve - and so did he.
But the Falcons - from Smith to All-Pro right guard Chris Lindstrom and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett - have gone to bat for Bergeron dating back to the summer, hailing his mindset and physical tools.
Drafted No. 38 overall, Bergeron arrived with the expectation of being an immediate impact player, and he's largely delivered on that.
He was also brought in with the understanding that his best football was still ahead of him ... and it seemingly still is.
And yet, Bergeron's proving steady inside, all the while inspiring optimism his arrow is pointing upwards as he gains experience and confidence on a team steadfast on running the ball behind him.
The next opportunity for Bergeron to continue his growth comes Sunday, when the Falcons (6-8) hit the road for a 1 p.m. EST kickoff against the Chicago Bears (8-6).
And if Bergeron's rookie season tells one thing, he's ready for the challenge that lays ahead.
