Browns: 3 storylines coming out of victory over Giants
By Chad Porto
![Aug 22, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) dives over the line of scrimmage for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports Aug 22, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) dives over the line of scrimmage for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/573acd39c6b2ee52b1d56a16680765d6b501fe1b94323a1f214fa3321391e812.jpg)
Receivers stepping up, causing hard decisions
This isn’t just about the receivers but about all the pass-catchers on the team. Just about everyone who will be eligible to catch a pass in the regular season had a major play against the Giants. Andy Janovich had a sideline catch that saw him power through tackles. KhaDarel Hodge snatched a short touchdown pass and put the Browns up in the first quarter.
Jordan Franks had a toe-tapping sideline catch, while his chief rival for the potential fourth tight end spot, Connor Davis, had four receptions. Another player who had a nice day catching the ball, Johnny Stanton, showed up at running back, H-back, fullback, and tight end throughout the game showing his versatility through the game and proving he can catch in space.
D’Ernest Johnson was another one, who had 36 yards rushing and 25 yards receiving. This while receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham sat, and other guys like WR Anthony Schwartz (hamstring), WR Alexander Hollins (hamstring), WR Ja’Marcus Bradley (neck), and TE Stephen Carlson were all out with injuries.
Those three spots, receiver, tight end, and the backs, are the biggest collection of guys who will likely be cut by the end of the preseason. The Browns have to cut the roster down by five this week and it seems these players may be the guys on the block.