NFL Preseason Week 2 Game Recap: Cleveland Browns 17, New York Giants 13

Neither the Cleveland Browns nor the New York Giants played many regular starters in what turned into a thrilling 17-13 Browns win in Week 2 of the 2021 NFL preseason.

Giants quarterback Brian Lewerke was close to leading a game-winning drive as time expired, but his Hail Mary heave to the end zone was tipped and intercepted by Browns safety Richard LeCounte to end the game.

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Cleveland Browns

Quarterback

Case Keenum started and played most of the first half until he gave way to Kyle Lauletta at the two-minute warning. Keenum completed nine of his 12 passes for only 74 yards, with 61 of those passing yards coming from clean-pocket throws.

Lauletta came in to run the two-minute drive and played the rest of the game. The former Giant completed 14-of-23 attempts for 152 yards, but he also had two passes dropped by his receivers.

Clean pocket quarterback stats

Running Back

The two-headed monster of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt sat this one out, so D’Ernest Johnson got the start. He carried the ball four times and looked good running it, putting up 36 total yards and 29 yards after contact. Johnson also caught all four of his targets for 23 yards.

Demetric Felton also played in the first half in his attempt to win the third-string role behind Chubb and Hunt. He only rushed for 25 yards on eight carries and caught a pass for 12 yards on two targets.

Receivers

Fans were wondering how Donovan Peoples-Jones would handle a starting job — and today's performance in that role likely left them unsatisfied. He was targeted just once, resulting in a 13-yard catch to start the second quarter.

Tight end Jordan Franks was the most targeted Brown (7), although he only caught three of those targets. Davion Davis caught all three of his targets for 45 yards.

Offensive Line

Tackle James Hudson and guards Colby Gossett and Drew Forbes started and played most of the game. Blake Hance played center before switching out with Javon Patterson.

Defensive Line

Cameron Malveaux and Joe Jackson started on the edge, with Jackson producing two pressures.

Andrew Billings and Jordan Elliott manned the interior, and we can expect all four to get significant snaps as part of the defensive line rotation during the regular season.

Linebacker

Rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah played the first 14 snaps for the Browns defense, mostly as an inside linebacker. He missed one tackle.

JOK snaps by position

Secondary

Greedy Williams started but left the game with an injury early. He did not return.

Browns CB Greedy Williams has a groin injury now, and is questionable to return

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) August 22, 2021

Richard LeCounte played the entire game and made some impressive plays on the ball, including a game-sealing interception on a Hail Mary. The fifth-round rookie only allowed one catch for six yards.

Greg Newsome II played from the start and played well, splitting reps between the outside and the slot.

Greg Newsome snaps by alignment

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New York Giants

Quarterback

With Daniel Jones resting, Mike Glennon came in and impressed. He was efficient with the football, going 10-for-13 for 86 yards but couldn’t find a big play down the field.

Glennon: Passing by depth

Running Back

There was no Saquon Barkley for the Giants, who relied on Corey Clement and Devontae Booker early. Booker ran for 27 yards on six attempts, but the Giants couldn’t get much movement on the ground.

Receivers

Dante Pettis, David Sills and C.J. Board started for the giants at receiver. Pettis played early and caught three passes for 25 yards on five targets.

Board caught a pass for 12 yards, but Sills caught the only touchdown, a pass from Lewerke in the fourth quarter.

Offensive Line

The starting offensive line from left to right: Jackson Barton, Kenny Wiggins, Jonotthan Harrison, Ted Larsen and Chad Slade. None of them looked as if they would get the Week 1 regular-season start.

Defensive Line

Oshane Ximines and Ryan Anderson started at the edge positions and will look to become an integral part of the Giants defensive line rotation when the season begins. Ximines recorded a sack.

Nice QB hit for Oshane Ximines! Kills James Hudson off the line and smacks Kyle Lauletta pic.twitter.com/xVT7DD06q6

— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 22, 2021

Linebackers

Reggie Ragland started and played well. He allowed one catch for seven yards and made a tackle. He’ll see the field plenty for the Giants this season.

Secondary

Rookie Darnay Holmes played six snaps, but he made a tackle and wasn’t targeted in coverage.

Fellow rookie Rodarius Williams was given ample reps and played well. He allowed two catches on three targets but also came away with a pass breakup and six tackles.