Giants vs. Eagles Daily Updates: DeVonta Smith thinks the Eagles pass game can help open up the run
4:55 PM: On Friday, Brett Toth was asked how he’s been adapting to the NFL since joining the Eagles as a new free agent in 2019.
He came from Army, where the Black Knights ran a triple-option offense. He recalled the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where the Patriots asked him questions about different defensive fronts and looks. He candidly admitted he didn’t know what they were. He had learned pass blocking at the Senior Bowl just a few weeks earlier.
On Sunday, Toth is set to make his fourth career start and first at center, as Cam Jurgens is out with a knee injury. Toth replaced Jurgens during last Sunday’s win over the Vikings.
“Always learning, helping players in any way possible, passing on information from experienced players to younger players, as you get more experienced,” Toth said. “The best skill is accepting the situation. That’s how you learn all five (positions).”
Toth criticized their performance against the Vikings. He said they reviewed tape, made sure they were seeing things correctly, and focused on what changes they could make to their technique.
With Jurgens out, communication will be a team effort, but the center is the one “conducting the band,” Toth said.
Toth said, “Everyone’s job depends on you putting everyone in the right position to do their job.”
It also doesn’t help that the Giants have “generational players” on the defensive line, including nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, whom Toth said will be considered one of the best players of all time when all is said and done.
Toth added, “No matter how great everyone thinks they are online or among fans, they’re even better.”
After starting at left guard two weeks ago, Toth has the Giants fresh in his mind, but moving from one position to the center position is a completely different experience. Run game coordinator/offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland spared no expense in preparing Toth, but there will be some things that will be overlooked.
“You have to rely on your training to know how to react and put everyone in a position to succeed,” Toth said. – Chris McPherson