I know this is practically an ASB, but what if Napoleon absolutely annihilates the Russian Army at Borodino lets say Bagration has command of the army. If Russia can be subdued annd Napoleon can force the Russians to play ball for France he might force them introduce reforms. Even if Napoleon is defeated it will become insanely difficult to revert to the old ways and it might allow breathing room for Russia to modernize in a faster and more efficient way like Germany did.
Annihilating the Russian army at Borodino does not translate into subduing Russia. And Napoleon is in no position to force Russia to do reforms - not to mention the itty-bitty detail that he has no interest in Russia doing reforms.
As for "reverting to the old ways" - actually, no, it will be insanely easy to do so with Russians resenting foreign interference and foreigners.
Russia modernizing in a faster and more efficient way like Germany did would require Russia being as modern and developed a society as Germany, which is not happening at the point of French bayonets. It doesn't need "breathing room", it needs significant social reform.