Bernadeau Looks to Build on Strong Finish in '13

Mackenzy Bernadeau lost his starting job in 2013 only to get it back & have his best season as a Cowboy

Shortly after right guard Brian Waters went down for the season with a torn triceps in Week 8, head coach Jason Garrett expressed hope that backup Mackenzy Bernadeau--who started on the right side through the first three weeks--had learned from the veteran’s presence on the team, short-lived as it may have been. Through the second half of the season, Bernadeau looked as though he had picked up quite a bit.

“For the most part when I was in there I was pleased with the way I played, but I can also play better,” Bernadeau said, per ESPN Dallas. “You never want to come out and get benched. I think I handled it the best way I could. I was very professional about it. As frustrated as I was and mad that I got benched, I understand the game. I understand that somebody might go down and I might get the chance to go back on there. When I did have that chance, I took the opportunity that was given to me.”

Garrett said the team would be open to bringing Waters back if he’s healthy, and wants to come back--it’s worth remembering he was pretty much retired before Dallas lured him back to football with a one-year deal--but for now, Bernadeau is the probable starter once again and looking to build on his best season as a Cowboy.

"I want to get better at everything," he said. "The biggest thing is I want to finish more; being able to finish more and play faster. I felt like as an O-line we got better as the year progressed and I got better and getting the job done, but I want to finish with that nastiness that comes naturally with playing the position."

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