RB Demetric Felton Cleveland Browns Vs. New York Giants Preseason Game 2 8-22-21

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RB Demetric Felton Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants Preseason Game 2 8-22-21

RB Demetric Felton: On if he prefers playing RB or WR: “I really have no preference.”

On his performance today: “I think I had an OK day. Just looking forward to getting back at practice and working hard.”

On having a LB line up across to cover him: “Linebacker or DB, I can get open. It is really no surprise for me.”

On his performance in the run game today: “I felt like I did OK. I feel like there is definitely room for improvement. Like, I said before, I am just looking forward to getting back to practice and getting better.”

On if he has been able to learn anything from RB Kareem Hunt as their playing styles are similar: “Definitely. Whenever I get back home or even when I am out there on the field, I study those guys a lot. I am just looking for anything that I can add to my game and just improve.”

On how it was practice with the New York Giants this week: “I think it is good to have some guys other than your teammates that you are going against to get a different feel. I definitely think it was beneficial for me and the team.”

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Johnny Stanton IV Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants 8-22-21

FB Johnny Stanton IV: On getting reps on offense today: “It is always fun to have your number called. They told me this week that I was going to be at tight end and I said, ‘Alright, let’s do it.’ I am willing to do whatever it takes to make this team. For them to be able to get me the ball on a couple of plays I have at tight end gets me excited.”

On the difficulty of transitioning to TE: “They prepared me well this week. I knew it was coming. They do a good job of prepping the guys who are getting the most reps. (TE) Jordan Franks and (TE) Connor Davis who got twice as many reps as I did, those guys were battling through it and they did a great job today. I did not get as many reps as them, but I try to make it count when I get those plays in practice and it transferred out there.”

On the type of QB he was at UNLV: “I was a dual-threat guy, but I was not running around anybody at 250 lbs. When I had the ball in my hands, I would be trying to run through you and try to make some plays in the backfield, as well.”

On his experience learning to be a blocker: “It took a big transition. You are transferring from wanting to stay away from the tacklers to heading straight towards them and being able to influence them to come to you. It was a big transition. I am in my fourth year of doing it, and I am still learning every day. I feel like I am at a point right now where I am proud to have gotten to this point, but I know I have a long way to go.”

On if his experience as a QB helps him find gaps in the defense: “Being in that position and having to know the whole offense gives me a better chance to learn the whole offense now. This offense is a lot more complex than anything else I have ever been in before, but being in my second year, I am able to master it better and get the chance to show my knowledge of it more. Even last year, the coaches would ask me to make sure I knew the second tight end spot, but it was not until this year that they said ‘OK, now you have to know it.’ I did not get many reps last year so I am making my way through it and am still learning every day.”

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S Julian Love Cleveland Browns vs New York Giants Preseason Game 2 8-22-21

NY Giants S Julian Love: On the starting units on defense: “We feel like this week was a huge step for us, getting out there to compete against a quality team. A little more on our plates in terms of calls and what they expect from us. I know that the starters are guys up front who are especially ready to get after it. The closer we get to Week 1, everyone is fired up. We are going to attack and get better to where we want to be. We really have to take advantage of next week.”

On looking at the starting lineup with Week 1 three weeks away: “Training camp from the outside mind might look tough, but it has been a fun camp because you can see the improvement in a lot of people – players, coaches and all of us together building a camaraderie that we talk about so much that we want to build. As camp went on, we are still growing and getting to that point, and it is crazy we are on to our last preseason game and then we get to go at it for real.”

On any recent expressions from Head Coach Joe Judge: “Well, you just heard him call me duct tape. That was a funny story. In a meeting in the defensive room, he said, ‘Well, we can put you in any situation, wherever we need you, you are like duct tape for us.’ That is a true story. Now everyone is calling me duct tape now because he made that comment. It is a short-term solution – duct tape. We will move on to something more permanent.”

On how duct tape means versatile: “Listen, it might be a Philly thing where his from and how he grew up. Something is broken, and you put duct tape on it. I don’t know how his household was taken care of, but that is kind of his expression. Just do it all. I take pride in that. Obviously over the years to get better, try to establish how I want to be as a player and that involves doing a lot. I like it. I like doing a lot.”

On what WR Matt Cole is if he specifically is duct tape: “Have you ever seen Big Fat Greek Wedding – the dad always used to put Windex on everything? We will say Matt Cole is Windex (laughter).”

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Head Coach Kevin Stefanski Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants Preseason 2 8-22-21

Head Coach Kevin Stefanski: Opening statement: “(CB) Greedy Williams has a groin injury, (K) Cody Parkey had a quad injury and (LB) Montrel Meander had an Achilles injury. I thought it was some good work for the guys out there. It was hot. They were battling. It took 60 minutes. Got some good situational football work – a two-minute at the end of the first half, a two- minute drive there on defense at the end of the second half and a two-point play – so I think there are a lot of things going on that the guys did a nice job communicating and ultimately battling throughout. Good win.”

On the competition between FBs Andy Janovich and Johnny Stanton IV: “I think those guys are competing hard every single day on the practice field, in the meeting room and in these games. They are both doing a nice job.”

On Stanton playing some TE today: “What happens is you have two tight ends so you are trying to find ways to spell those guys. That was some of the thought there, but certainly, the more you can do, it helps your value.”

On QB Case Keenum’s performance: “He did a nice job operating. Did not like that interception down there in the red zone – we can’t do that, and he should not do that. He knows that. We have to take better care of the ball, but he had obviously some nice plays. That throw to Hodgey (WR KhaDarel Hodge) was outstanding – a great catch, great throw.”

On if the Browns tried to set up a long FG opportunity on K Chase McLaughlin’s 49-yard conversion or if it ‘just happened’: “Just happened. Obviously, want to get some evaluation from these guys. We were going to kick a field goal there [earlier in the game] and then we had a sack that was called and took us out of field goal range. Was pleased that we were able to get to field goal range that last one.”

On RB Demetric Felton: “I thought he did a nice job. I would say my vantage point was not great, but he had some good dirty runs. He bounced a few and made some plays in the passing game so he did a nice job.”

On Keenum’s missed connection with Felton in the end zone: “He just overthrew him.”

On DT Malik McDowell’s performance: “Malik did a nice job. Had a sack there. That is the first time playing ball for him in a long time. He did a nice job.”

On if the decision to play CB Troy Hill was related to the incident after Friday’s practice: “All of those things, I will keep between Troy and myself and keep that internal.”

On if he can reveal if or how much the Browns starters will play next week: “I will do that next week.”

On CB Greg Newsome II’s performance and if Newsome is building on a strong practice week: “Yeah, I think he is building on the practice week – I think that is a good way to put it. I think it was nice to get him some inside reps today and got him some reps at nickel. He is doing a nice job. He just has to continue to do so.”

On if C Nick Harris’ injury is ‘significant’: “I think I would call it day to day.”

On the decision to start G Blake Hance at C today: “With some of the injuries we have had, as you know, these guys have to show their versatility and they have to be able to bounce along that line. That is something that ultimately we want to find the right spot for all of these guys. A lot of it is from an evaluation standpoint.”

On if the Browns are monitoring how much starters from other teams are playing in the preseason as it relates to how much they will play their starters: “I am really concerned with us, what we need and what each player needs. That is really kind of the mindset I have about it.”

On summarizing the week of practices and the preseason game with the NY Giants: “Great work with that team. I told you guys the other day, I appreciate (NY Giants Head) Coach (Joe) Judge, that entire coaching staff and those players. We got some really good work done in Berea for a couple of days. I thought the guys worked really hard today and competed for 60 minutes. We were put in a bunch of different scenarios in this ballgame so I thought that was really good for us. We also realize that we have a ways to go. We are just not where we need to be, but that is OK. We have some practices coming up.”

On playing T James Hudson III at LT and RT and if Hudson prefers one spot over the other: “You would have to ask him, but I think any young player certainly wants to stay at one spot but they have to be able to go play at other spots. He has done a nice job. We have bounced him around in practice and walkthrough. He has not missed a beat.”

On when the Browns can shift from evaluating players to preparing for Week 1 against Kansas City: “I think you can do both at the same time. Even going back to when we first got together, obviously, we are trying to evaluate the roster and we are trying to get the guys ready in the scheme and get them ready to play. We are constantly trying the sharpen what we do. Always have the season in mind with everything we are doing.”

On where WR KhaDarel Hodge is fitting in the WR competition and what Hodge showed today: “I think all of those guys are battling across the roster. Hodgey made a great catch on the ball. Not surprising because those two throw to each other quite a bit down there in Texas.”

On how valuable Hodge is on special teams, in addition to contributing on offense: “All of our guys, everybody plays special teams here, and we are going to need everybody to do so. Hodgey certainly understands his role.”

On if the Browns planned to play LB Mack Wilson until the fourth quarter: “Yeah, he did not play last week – four plays last week – so we just want to make sure we got an extended amount of playing time for him.”

On LB Elijah Lee competing for roster spot: “Again, he is going to compete and battle like he always does. He did a nice job out there today.”

On how Parkey injured his quad: “I do not know. I really do not. He did it at some point, but I am not sure when.”

On if he has a feel for the severity of Parkey’s injury: “I do not.”

On how hard it is to evaluate WR JoJo Natson as a returner with limited attempts this training camp and preseason: “I think we have some returns to go on in his career. I think he has done a nice job at practice so we certainly are evaluating all those returns. You cannot predict when you are going to get that return in the punt game or the kickoff game.”

On RB Demetric Felton’s performance in the running game: “Did a nice job. Have to go back and look at it to give you a better, more informed answer, but he did a nice job. Had him out there running routes, handing him the ball and handling protection so we will be able to look at all of it.”

On S Richard LeCounte III making some big plays: “Ball finds a way to him, and he has great ball skills. Certainly, did in college, as well. To be able to get the ball at the end was important. We finished even in the turnover margin to be able to get that one to offset our previous giveaway.”

On if he has an update on DE Porter Gustin’s status: “I do not.”

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WR KhaDarel Hodge Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants Preseason 2 8-22-21

WR KhaDarel Hodge: On his TD catch: “It felt amazing. That was my first one since my rookie year – preseason with the Rams. I have been trying to get in the end zone for so long. I just thank God. That is all I can do is thank God.”

On if his TD catch was on the same play and route as WR Rashard Higgins’ incompletion earlier in the drive: “No, it was actually a different play. You could say the same route, but it was a different play and different setup. It just happened to come to me, and I tried to take advantage of an opportunity.”

On if a preseason TD is just as meaningful as a regular season TD: “Oh yeah, everything counts. Just coming out and competing, you want to put the best on tape every day, whether it is in a game, practice, preseason, regular season or anything. You want to put your best on tape at all times. That is just what I do is come out and compete as much as I can. The ups and downs are going to come but try to fight through adversity.”

On if he felt like he needed a TD catch to stand out in a crowded Browns WR room: “We just come out and compete every day. We know we have a great receiving room. We push each other every day to come out and be the best every day. There are no plays off. Every opportunity counts. We never know when it could be your last so everything is important in the receiving room.”

On QB Case Keenum and how important it is to have a backup QB with significant experience: “It is great. Case makes things a lot easier. He has been around the game long. He breaks it down, he can talk about coverages and he can talk about how to set up a route and what you do in certain coverages or how to run a certain route in certain coverages. He is a great guy. He just brings a lot to the game.”

On his earlier comment about this being a long week: “Just training camp. Training camp is draining mentally and physically. That is just what it is. I think it is more mental than physical. It is just repetition after repetition, the same thing day after day and just fight through, fight through.”

On if he ranks himself daily in the WR room based on each day’s performance: “I don’t look at it like that because it would drive me crazy. We just come out and compete. That is our mindset from top to bottom. The receiving room, we push each other. We want to be the best every day, each day. We are all like brothers in there. We see someone messing up or someone needs help, we are going to give each other advice at some point and pick each other up at some point. We just come out and compete every day.”

On if he enjoys the label of being a good special teams player, even as he begins to contribute more on offense: “I take pride in special teams. If that is what they label me, then that is what they label me. I can play offense and special teams. If that is what they want to do, then that is what they will do. I know what I can do, and that is all that matters.”

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LB Malcolm Smith Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants 8-22-21

LB Malcolm Smith: On the team’s defensive identity: “I think we have a good mentality, and I think we have a good plan. We have a lot of good players. Obviously, we just have to put it together as a unit. I think we have an idea, and hopefully for next week, we will have an even better idea.”

On the LB injuries from this week: “It is tough. Especially during a joint practice, there are not a lot of bodies to go around. It is good reps for everybody. We get to see things from different spots and everybody is learning and trying to grasp things in their role. It is tough to see those guys go down, especially (LB) Jacob (Phillips). He has such a bright, bright future in this league and I think he is going to be a good player. Hopefully, he comes back even better.”

On the joint practice with the NY Giants: “It is practice. It got a little chippy at times. Obviously, it is a competitive league and we are all fighting for jobs so you can imagine how things can get when it is heated and going back and forth. There is a lot of pride and ego involved unfortunately, but that is part of the game. You have to be willing to push it to the edge a little bit, and I think we took it there. It was good to compete against them today, but we have to focus on us.”

On developing team chemistry in joint practices: “You battle with your guys and you can appreciate seeing them go through that. We had a chance to rally around each other instead of hitting each other during the week.”

On how the Browns defense will look this season: “We have a lot of new guys and a lot of really good talent in the room. Our plan is to be simple and effective while attacking at all times. That is what I expect.”

On the reaction after LB Elijah Lee’s hit: “It was great. Everybody loves (LB) Elijah (Lee) because of the way he plays the game and the way he comes to work every day. I have a ton of respect for him since I saw him as a rookie in San Francisco. I just love to see it.”

On how Lee has developed since he was a rookie: “He has just grown up. He was thrown in the fire along the way. He has had his ups and downs going to different places and having to battle. He has always stepped up in games, always. He is a worker and he comes to work every day, trying to grasp everything. He asks questions and is a great competitor. Hopefully, I rub a little bit off onto him.”

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RB Devontae Booker and WR Matt Cole Cleveland Browns vs New York Giants Preseason Game 2 8-22-21

NY Giants RB Devontae Booker: On his production today, including scoring a TD: “It felt good. It felt great. Just trying to be a spark out there ever time that I get.”

On being warmed up in the first quarter: “Yes, I did. I did not know how long I was going to be out there, but I just wanted to be a spark for the team and for the offense, go out there and do what we have been doing. Got a touchdown with it, and that is always good. Just continue to get better.”

On the NY Giants OL’s performance: “They did pretty good. Executed on assignments they had out there, gave the quarterbacks some time and opening up some holes for me. I was just going up there and trying to execute my assignment, and when we all execute our assignments, it is perfect.”

On leaping over the pile for the TD: “Honestly, I just saw everyone on the ground. Typically, I am not a big leap guy, but I tried it today and it worked.”

On if NY Giants RB Saquon Barkley taught him how to jump like he did for the TD: “We really did not talk about it because we have not repped too much on goal line (laughter). I always knew I had the leaping ability in me. It came out today.”

NY Giants WR Matt Cole: On when he found out that he was going to be playing CB: “I actually got the news yesterday. Coach asked me about playing corner, and in my mind I was like, ‘I already play corner on punt return.’ He said, ‘I am talking about defense.’ I said, ‘It is too early to be playing games. You can’t be for real.’ Coach said, ‘I am serious. We might need you.’ I just stayed ready, and I have history of playing defense back in high school.”

On if he last played CB in high school: “Yes, that was the last time. Then it had transferred over to college – I played all phases of special teams. My coach in college when I was a freshman I used to… I just love to play football.”

Of if he was surprised he was not targeted more at CB: “They did target my area. I do not want to toot my own horn, but I do not think a receiver caught the ball on my side of the field – Cole World. I think I did pretty good. I just stepped up and just filled in a spot. My coaches helped on the side that are sure about the defenses that they run. I would just charge.”

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NY Giants LB Trent Harris Cleveland Browns vs New York Giants Preseason Game 2 8-22-21

NY Giants LB Trent Harris: On if he feels like he turned heads today: “I do not really know what to think. I am just trying to come in, improve and get better. There is a lot of competition out here in my position. Just trying to take advantage of my opportunities and make the roster.”

On how much better he is now compared to when he joined the NY Giants last year: “I feel better. I had a whole offseason to work. Hoping to improve every day. I feel more confident, and I do feel better.”

On getting a significant number of first-team reps: “It is always great to have opportunities so just have to take advantage of it. That is all you can do really.”

On his relationship with assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Patrick Graham: “Just a regular coach and player relationship.”

On if he was expecting the whistle for the sack on QB Baker Mayfield on Thursday: “We got to stay away from the quarterback, but (NY Giants OLB) Azeez (Ojulari) did a great job of getting him confused and the play just happened.”

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NY Giants Head Coach Joe Judge Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants Preseason Game 2 8-22-2021

NY Giants Head Coach Joe Judge: Opening statement: “I’m proud of the team and the way they came out and competed. This is definitely a positive week for us as a team, and we got better this week. We got a lot of quality work in two days of practice with a lot of our vets and young guys. A lot of guys were taking a lot of balls. We were able to evaluate our roster and evaluate a lot of players going into the stretch. We are going to New England next week, and we will be able to go with our team as narrowed down as possible. We’re not making all the final decisions, but this game will give us a clearer picture going into New England next week in terms of treating it almost like a regular season game.”

On what the plan was going into this game: “It really went back to the quality of practice we had. With the volume and intensity of the work we had, we thought that it was best for the health of those players, especially with a quick turnaround and one day off in between. As we get these guys ready to go next week, we know it’s going to be a hard work week that simulates a regular season week and having a competitive practice session with Patriots. It was the best thing for the health of the team and it also gave us an opportunity to really evaluate a lot of guys on the roster. We have to make sure that we have as clear a picture as possible to give them a fair evaluation.”

On why NY Giants Matt Cole played CB: “Because of the way Matt competed. He has been the guy since he got here. Whether special teams, offense or defense, he just says ‘yes sir’ and goes out there and plays 100 percent. We were sitting there and looking at the amount of guys we were going to play yesterday. We knew the depth of some was going to be an issue. We knew it was going to be a hot day and playing a lot of snaps. We just turned around and said, Let’s let Matt go out there. This guy competes on punt returns against a gunner. Let’s see what he’s got. To be honest with you, I’ve had experience with receivers in training camp and guys that have stuck around. One thing that impressed us was that he didn’t blink. He went out there. He got the ball thrown to him a couple times. He made a nice tackle. He stopped them short right there and forced a field goal. Obviously, the calls were a little new to him. He got a crash course last night on our defense and some meanings, but he went out there to compete.”

On when Cole found out he was playing: “The decision was made yesterday so we got him before we went into the final meetings for prep. We brushed up the best we could. (NY Giants assist. Head coach/defensive coordinator Patrick Graham) did a great job of communicating with him on the field in terms of the technical signs on a play-by-play basis. We kind of had a 10-man huddle, and Matt had a personal tutor on the sideline, but he did a good job.”

On whether getting better this week was because of guys like DL David Moa and LB Trent Harris: “I think our entire roster got better this week. We had great quality work. I thought our practices are exactly what we needed to come out here with high intensity, high volume, building our conditioning and our fundamentals at a competitive rate. I thought seeing those young guys play in competitive situations throughout the entire game – for 60 minutes – gives a really good extended view of these players, not only early or in some small glimpses but extended – how they make adjustments in games, how they respond to situations, four-minute for the defense, two-minute for the offense. You can see a lot of players elevate their game this entire week. There is definitely a lot of push on the roster. There are positions like Trent, Moa and other guys.”

On LB Oshane Ximines: “It was good to see X back out there with us. He had a good week of practice. We just wanted to get him some reps in. Go with X and just get him back out there playing ball. He obviously missed a lot of ball last year being

injured. He missed a lot of ball this year with starting camp late so the goal for him and (LB) Ryan Anderson was to just get them as many snaps as they could with playing ball. I’m happy the way it came out. They did some nice things for us today. Obviously, there are always things to clean up. We’re never fully satisfied with the tape. However, they went out there and played a lot of ball for us and definitely did some good things.”

On whether RB Saquon Barkley will play next week: “We have not [made a decision]. We are going to the doctors and approach it as we get closer. We will have conversations tomorrow and will definitely be increasing what he’s doing. I can’t tell you exactly what that’s going to be. I don’t know at this point if that’s going to include 11-on-11 or 7-on-7, or whatever it may be, but we’re going to make sure we’re very calculated with what we do. At the same time, he had a great week this week with the trainers and with what he could give us on the field. I know he is tapping his foot and getting anxious. As soon as we get the greenlight from the medical staff, we’ll keep going.”

On whether it is a reasonable timeline for RB Saquon Barkley to play in the opener: “I don’t have an answer there, but I wouldn’t eliminate any possibilities.”

On what the message was for WR Sterling Shepard after the altercation with Browns CB Troy Hill at joint practice: “I handled that internally. We handled that internally. They kept it to their players and we’ll keep it between us.”

On whether TE Kyle Rudolph will come off PUP this week: “He had a good week this week at rehab. When I talked to him with the medical team, it’s optimistic that there may be a chance coming up to get off. Again, that is an individual basis so we will see what the medical team says on that and see if we can get him out there with the team working.”

On whether LB Azeez Ojulari was injured at practice: “He has had a week in practice, and we aren’t used to having full weeks, so that’s why he wasn’t out there.”

On whether he sees a finish line since Cleveland and New England were the early goals laid out: “I think we’re progressing for where we want to be. We’re at a point where the first part of training camp was ramping the team up, getting the conditioning right, building on the fundamentals. And that never stops. But coming out of the Jets week, and turning around and having a good week here in Cleveland with a lot of good competition – it’s a great team to correct off of. It’s a great team to teach off of. To turn around and in this game, have a lot of young guys playing and going out there and showing how to make some decisions. Now turn around and going to New England next week and having their folks. We’re working, specifically with individual practice. We will talk to their staff in New England and narrow down who the folks are going to be, but it’s going to be a lot of situational football. It will great for our team and something that we have to get against another opponent.”

On if the team will be getting out as expected: “Yes. Last I heard, the hurricane should not stop us from landing in Newark as planned. There were some contingency plans earlier in the day, but the plan all day has been to go ahead and get out of here. It was either going to be landing in Newark or somewhere close to drive. Right now, everything is going to Newark. I haven’t talked to anyone back home, but I hear it’s been more rain than anything.”

On how the storm may effect the trip to New England: “I haven’t spoken to anyone specifically in New England about that, but our Ops team has worked on the travel plans in terms of going up there. There are some alternatives if anything happens, like a train trip.”

On the importance of game exposures: “It is huge. A lot of times in practice, it is kind of scripted. Even when you call something off the cuff, they know in certain periods that you’re going to play certain things. When you get into games, you get to move things around. You really work different guys around. That is where versatility comes in. It’s not just something you

talk about. It’s something you have to have in our program. As you go through the season, these scenarios are going to come up, so you have to do something different than what they’ve practiced on. You have to be able to go in and make the adjustments. This is great preparation for our players, but it is great preparation for our coaches as well. Make the sideline, in-game adjustments collectively and talk about it as a staff. Get the offensive guys together, the defensive guys together. This is valuable experience in preseason and will set you up to work together to seamlessly make the transitions in the season. That’s really where it’s most important.”

On the decision to not give S Xavier McKinney a series: “To be honest, we wanted to get him out there and let him break a single color roll. When (DB) Logan (Ryan) is on the field, Logan handles the majority of the calls. We just want to give him some game reps of being out there and running the huddle, making the on-field checks, and getting prepared for the season.”

On DB Logan Ryan: “I have to evaluate the tape fully. I thought it was a good start for what we want to do. A large part of our focus for this game was to take a look at some of the guys, like (K Ryan) Santoso with kicks. He has been tremendous for us so we wanted to make sure we got him out there. Those guys did a tremendous job for us. We’re happy to have (K) Graham (Gano). He is a phenomenal kicker. I know he is a quality guy and we wanted to make sure we got him some tape, to be honest with you. This guy deserves to be 1 or 2. He’s got that kind of ability. We have all the faith in the world. We have tried to get him out there for some kicks, and we haven’t been able to the past few weeks. We wanted to go for two at the end because there is no overtime in preseason.”

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