Troy Bergeron is hoping to land a roster spot
New acquisition Dunta Robinson with a defensive play against receiver Troy Bergeron. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons wide receiver Troy Bergeron has been the forgotten veteran in training camp.
But he attracted some attention after he caught a 19-yard touchdown pass against New England from quarterback John Parker Wilson.
“That was a bright spot,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He made a couple of guys miss.”
One of the realities of football is that injuries happen. Kerry Meier’s misfortune might be Bergeron’s gain.
He’s had moments in training camp.
“You just have to keep fighting and gut it out,” Bergeron said.
He’s not looking around counting receivers to see if there’s a spot for him.
“I just go day by day,” Bergeron said. “It’s not in my control. All I can do is go out there, play and do some good things.”
Bergeron wants to rack up yards in the NFL like he did in the Arena Football League.
Bergeron is the former Arena Football League star, who did not play college football and is from Columbus Shaw High.
He was originally signed by the Falcons as a free agent in 2006. Following his release from training camp, he was signed by the Buffalo Bills and landed on their practice squad.
He played for the Georgia Force of the AFL from 2005, 2007-08.
He was re-signed by the Falcons as a free agent on May 10, 2009.
In his first full season with the Falcons in 2009, Bergeron played in one game after being signed from the practice squad on November 17.
In his AFL career with the Georgia Force, he had 328 receptions for 4,335 yards and 96 touchdowns while adding 1,416 kickoff return yards. He was named the AFL rookie of the year in 2005.
It’s unclear if his practice squad eligibility has been exhausted, but Bergeron has his sights on making the team anyway.
“I’m just trying to go out there and do my best,” Bergeron said. “Whatever happens, happens.”
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69 comments Add your comment
Mikefalcon63
August 23rd, 2010
9:35 pm
So Randy… Jenkins is still here and starting why? Jamaal Anderson is here and starting why??? This is not about preseason as much as just calling a spade a spade. It is what it is… It would be nice to see what some of the no names can do against top competition and a starting QB throwing at them.
Mikefalcon63
August 23rd, 2010
9:40 pm
BT, I totall don’t get where you are going. I am only saying 1st – 3rd round draft picks are guaranteed a roster spot. The only one who comes to mind in recent history was Maurice Claurette from OS who was a 3rd rounder for Denver. He actually got cut and that was bigger news than the people who made the team.
Not a blind man, just a realist. It is what it is. Undrafted players have to know coming in they have to outplay every player on the team to be given a chance at a roster spot. In some cases, not always, that can be a bad thing when a dud draft pick makes the team.
BT
August 23rd, 2010
9:42 pm
Randy, I agree it`s way, way to early to declare Spoon a bust.
Not so much in the cases of Anderson and Jenkins.
Are you trying to tell us Biermann has been given the starting because the HC don`t want to lose?
Well he has not and every one with eyes knows for damn sure he has earned it.
You know it`s true and that`s only one example.
Mikefalcon63
August 23rd, 2010
9:44 pm
For the record, I dont think anyone is calling Spoon a bust… But a starter??? What has he done in game situations to earn it? At least we know what we got in Nicholas and Peterson.
BT
August 23rd, 2010
9:49 pm
Mikefalcon63, I was actually trying to support your point, rather that argue against it.
Perhaps, I lacked clarity in terminology in expressing my point and you misunderstood?
BMO
August 23rd, 2010
10:15 pm
PLEASE GIVE THIS MAN A CHANCE TROY
D.S.G.B.
August 23rd, 2010
11:32 pm
i like troy and i like wolfe. what about matt jones would he be a good fit. i hear cincinatti is thinking of releasing him, or does he have too many off-field issues.
VegasBrave
August 24th, 2010
3:14 am
Arizona Retiree, I completely agree with you.. I am an UNLV alum and have watched live every game of Ryan Wolfe.. He is our Wes Welker.. His hands are glue and does not drop passes.. The Falcons MUST make him a major part of the Falcons receiving core.. I have seen him get slammed by defenders hard and he does not drop the ball and gets up like nothing happened.. Ryan Wolfe must be a major part of the Falcons Receiver Core..
Fin
August 24th, 2010
3:48 am
@ VegasBrave. Not doubting the skills of Ryan Wolfe, but there is a HUGE difference between Mountain West football and the NFL. There has been very little buzz about him coming out of training camp and that’s where he should have been making his mark. Now that we are officially in pre-season, it may be too late for him to push forward.
As for making a move for another WR once releases/cuts happen, I really don’t think there are any decent WR out there that we can afford. Remember, we still are on the hook w/ Jenkins for quite some time. Wouldn’t fiscally make sense to go out looking for another WR. The offense isn’t really a passing offense so to speak, so loading up on WR wouldn’t really make sense. I would like to see us good some better OL personally. Our first 2 pre-season games, seems like Matt Ryan didn’t have anytime to pass and was always scrambling out of the pocket.
Just my little 2 cents
waynester
August 24th, 2010
9:21 am
I like it when fans who have seen a lot more of a player (Wolfe) than I have drop in their 2 cents–it gives me hope that maybe the kid just has some catching up to do but will be fine eventually. As for Bergeron, he definitely shows flashes of brilliance–now if he can just do it consistently….
‘Spoon is not a bust. Anderson is even starting to pay his own way now, too. Other than some key drops, Jenkins has been doing what the coaches want from a #2 WR– good blocking downfield. Smith is focused on the main problem (which isn’t talent)– getting these guys to do what they do well
consistently. Smitty has told us repeatedly that as a staff they evaluate players based on what they do well, not what holes they have in their respective game, figuring that good coaching will eventually fill in those holes. As they’ve shown with Jamaal Anderson, they are patient with players and it seems to be paying off–it’s just frustrating to watch the growing pains….
Hamp
August 24th, 2010
11:40 am
Waynester you made so very good points. I like what I have seen from J. Anderson (told y’all). The kid is still young and I think he will turnout to be very valuable.
Jenkins I would like to see more from a first round draft choice but he is serviceable.
Spoon will be fine I would not start him I would let him play in subs and on third down but he will be fine this is Mike Petersons last year of his contract. We will have to get a good LB in the draft.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
August 24th, 2010
12:55 pm
I am one of those folks that is hoping that Bergeron will FINALLY get a REAL opportunity to show what he can do for the Falcons this year. If given a chance, he’s already equal to and possibly even better than Finneran. He’s definitely faster than Finneran in turning the ball up field to potentially score touchdowns.
I am also trusting that the coaching staff will be able to coach up the young inexperienced WRs that are trying to make the team. Who knows???….there might be a pro-bowl WR caliber player just waiting to have a break out season.
CaliDirtyBird
August 24th, 2010
4:13 pm
robdawg08 – not that you deserve a response but Vick lacked accuracy downfield even though he had a “rocket arm”. 50 yards down field without accuracy is called a “Hail Mary”. He was too shot to see over linemen and was as a result a better passer when rolling out but that cut his options in half. He also admitted to squandering his opportunities by lacking dedicationto the game. By week 8 of every season his footwork and mechanics would breakdown leading to second half collapses. Remember how Schaub put up 300 passing yards in his first start (against the Patriots no less) with the same receiving corps that Vick struggled with hooking up for even 180 yards week in and week out. Coincidence that Roddy puts up over 1200 yards with a combination of Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich and Chris Redman as soon as Vick is gone?
Don’t get me wrong Vick was and may still be a phenomenal athlete and exciting as hell to watch in his prime but you never knew which Vick would show up. Even if Matt Ryan never quite becomes Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, which I think is possible, he will consistently be a top 10 – 12 QB year in and year out and provides stability and leadership!
I cheered Vick when he was here. I cheer Matt Ryan now! STOP talking about those not here. He made his own bed end of story….
Nique
August 24th, 2010
4:52 pm
WR Kerry Meier isn’t officially on IR because rookies can’t be there until after the 53-man roster is set. Coach Mike Smith said there’s a possibility the Falcons sign another wide receiver after the 53-man roster is established and Meier goes on IR. From CBS SPORTLINE’S Falcons RapidReports
Arizona Retiree
August 24th, 2010
9:01 pm
If anyone watched The Cards and Titans last night they witnessed what I would describe as a near perfect pre-season game. Both teams let their starters get enough of a workout to warm up without breaking a sweat during the first quarter. After that they pushed the wannabes for the last three quarters to see what they had to offer in the way of breaking into the depth chart. No starter was put at risk and no high draft pick was injured. The Cards and Titans both showed depth at the QB position but it was Vince Young who stole the show. It looks to me that with his threat to use his legs to gain ground that this very well may be his breakout year where he snatches the torch from Peyton Manning and/or Tom Brady as the premier QB in the AFC.
As far as the Cards are concerned they looked to be cool under pressure with their back up QBs but their running game looks suspect. Again this is pre-season and no one got hurt. I think the Niners may get a surprise from Arizona as far as thinking that this is their year to dominate a weak team that lost its hall of fame leader Kurt Warner. Last night despite getting only a couple of descent plays from Leinart, I liked the confidence that coach Wiz showed in playing all of his QBs for the balance of the game, without getting players sidelined with injuries.
The next two pre-season games for Allanta will give the Falcon fans reason to jump for joy or have their hearts fall out of their shorts. Both opponents, Miami and Jacksonville should provide very little in the way of resistance to a strong playoff team. That is, if Atlanta is a strong playoff bound team. The next two weeks will tell us a lot if the Falcons unleash their young talent in the receiving corp and RBs. If, however, the coaching staff continues to show a lack of imagination and depend on the vets to control the game, I am afraid ATL fans are in for a long tortuous season with Matt Ryan losing confidence in his organization and supporting cast.
The Cards have two perfect tune-ups with pre-season games against the Redskins and the Bears. Both games should have a galvanizing effect on Arizona’s starters making them ready to dismantle the St. Louis Rams in the season opener and setting up a showdown with the Falcons on September the 19th at the Dome. If the Cards can begin the season with two wins on the road, they will be in great shape to challenge the Niners for the NFC crown of the Western Conference.
If, on the other hand, the Falcons can steal the season opener against Pittsburgh and crush the Arizona Cardinals in their home opener, the door will be open for the ATL to challenge N.O. for a playoff spot. Should be a very interesting four weekends coming up.
I love the smell of football in the morning. May the best teams rise to the top of the heap again this year.
Chop Buster
August 24th, 2010
9:02 pm
I just heard on the Falcons MB that the Falcons have requested permission to talk to Vincent Jackson. I don’t know how true this is, but here’s the link:
http://www.xxsportsradio.com/common/global_audio/40/21230.mp3
robdawg08
August 24th, 2010
10:29 pm
Marvin Harrison is a HOF WR only out of football for off-field issues. If Pac-Man Jones can still play then Marvelous Marvin can gang-bang in da NFL too. Could you imagine Roddy and Marvin together ? Pick yer poison.
Multiple personalities dude, robdawg has spoken. So bow down and give me twenty…
nes
August 25th, 2010
5:00 am
I agree with Fin, maybe the free agent singing of the OT out of Michigan is more than just getting thru the preseason. Baker maybe seen as a liability on speed rushers off the corner and Ryan sacked or running for his life. The reason Baker was last left tackle taken in first round was falcons traded up to get him even though the big knock on him was very short arms to play left tackle. The scouts really had him pegged to play inside at guard or right tackle as not a true left tackle for the NFL. Like Fin says, with run it first and pass later, no need to pay up for a big time receiver, make do with what we have and upgrade the offensive line.
DHunt
August 25th, 2010
11:50 am
Even the run first Falcons have to be able to pass effectively. I’ve heard the prognosticators who say MR2 will probably never be a 4000 yard passer, and the Falcons don’t need him to be that to succeed. Maybe that’s true, but if we don’t at least have the real threat of a good passing game, defenses are just going to bring 8 or 9 into the box and stifle the run game. Good defenses did it to us all last year. Receiver is now officially the number one weak spot on the Falcons team. I have no problem with Bergeron getting a shot at being the next big thing, dude lit it up in Arena Ball.