When the Falcons used their second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Syracuse guard, Matthew Bergeron, many began penciling his name into the starting line-up for a Falcons' offensive line that impressed and developed last year. An approach they took with former third-round pick, Jalen Mayfield. However, it seems like the Falcons may have learned from their past mistake and taking things slow this time around.
Chris Goforth shared his thoughts on the Falcons' LG battle between Matthew Bergeron and Matt Hennessy on Saturday's edition of the "Chris Goforth Show." And he believes the Falcons are doing the right thing this time around.
"It seems like Hennessy is taking all the first-team reps...at least through the summer." Goforth went on to bring up that the Falcons are not going to throw Bergeron out there blindly. The Falcons want to bring Bergeron along slowly and make sure he is ready for the NFL. Jalen Mayfield did not receive that opportunity.
Goforth said, "I don't think you're going to see a situation like we did with Jalen Mayfield...he was thrown into the NFL fire as a rookie...I don't think the Falcons are going to do that with Bergeron." The Falcons aren't as desperate for help on the line as they were back in 2021 which bodes well for Bergeron who will be allowed sometime to develop and not have the pressure of being the "starter" throughout training camp.
Could Bergeron win the job, of course. In fact, the Falcons would prefer that. But this time the title of starter will be earned instead of desperately handed away.