EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – As a collegiate and professional quarterback, Daniel Jones has played in numerous offensive systems, thrown and rushed for thousands of yards, celebrated thrilling victories and endured debilitating defeats. Tomorrow, he will have a new football experience.
"I've never been to a joint practice before," Jones said. "I'm looking forward to it."
Jones and the rest of the Giants will be in Berea, Ohio for two days of workouts with the Cleveland Browns. After they take Saturday off, the teams will square off Sunday in a preseason game in FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants will arrive home that night and on Tuesday they will hit the road again, to New England for two days of practice with the Patriots. The teams will meet in the preseason finale in MetLife Stadium on Aug. 29.
The meetup with the Browns will be the Giants' first in a practice setting since they worked with the Lions in Detroit in 2018.
Coach Joe Judge participated in numerous joint practices in his eight years as an assistant coach in New England. He has long known Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski and is close to the Patriots' Bill Belichick.
"To me the trust factor's huge, which is part of the reason early on me and Kevin talked way back in the offseason about the possibility of doing this," Judge said. "Part of it is because of our relationship and our experience together. That helps because then you can work together. When you go into these practices, you want to be with someone that you have a relationship with, because then you can work together and make sure, 'Hey, what do you need to see? What do we need to see? Let's work together to make sure we all accomplish that.'
"We talked continuously throughout these last few weeks making sure practice is mapped out for both me and him. We'll wait and see how our teams come out of practice (yesterday) and touch base before we finalize any plans going forward. Whether it's Kevin or Bill or other places I've been with or other guys we've worked with, it's very important in these practices to have a relationship. The players have to understand going in, it's going to be competitive. That's the nature of football, right? It's another team that's going to be competitive. Just like out here, we don't want to get out there and make it something that's not football. We want to get out there and work against each other and keep it between the lines and keep it between the whistles and make sure we play hard, we protect ourselves in every play, but we're also working with the other team, as well."
Jones said, "I think that's understood when you come together as a team that you're going to practice a certain way and be smart and take care of one another. I certainly expect them to do that."
View rare photos of the storied history between the Giants and Browns ahead of their preseason matchup.
New York Giants' half back Frank Gifford heads for a touchdown in second quarter of Giants-Browns game, Dec. 6, 1959. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown (32) tries to avoid tackle a tackle attempt during an NFL game against the New York Giants.
Cleveland Browns fullback Marion Motley (76) gains a yard before being pulled down by New York Giants' Jim Duncan, right, in 1950. AP Photo)
Giant halfback Emlen Tunnell (45) eyes two prospective tacklers while making short gain in the second quarter of a game with the Cleveland Browns at the Polo Grounds in New York on Oct. 22, 1950. Ken Gorgal (left), a back, and Jim Martin, an end, move in for the tackle during the Giants 17 to 13 upset over the Browns. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns guard Chuck Noll (65) throws a rolling block to take down New York Giants defensive end Joe Sulaitis (21) during an NFL game in Cleveland, Dec. 6, 1953. The Browns defeated the Giants 62-14. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
Cleveland Browns running back Bobby Mitchell (49) races upfield during game against the New York Giants in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1956. Giants won, 21-9. (AP Photo/Football Hall of Fame)
New York Giants Hall of Fame halfback Frank Gifford (16) tries to dive away from Cleveland Browns safety Johnny Pettibon (44) during an NFL game in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1956 The Giants defeated the Browns 21-9. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
New York Giants pull a double hand-off and lateral against the Cleveland Browns for the only touchdown of National Football League Eastern Division playoff game at New York's Yankee Stadium on Dec. 21, 1958. As play starts on Browns 19-yard line, quarterback Charley Conerly (42) hands off the ball to Alex Webster (29), who hands off the ball to Frank Gifford (16). With a block by Al Barry (68), Gifford breaks away to a 12-yard line where he laterals the ball to Conerly. Conerly is chased by Browns' Bob Gain (79), Browns' Junior Wren (42), but falls across goal line, Giants won 10-0. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants quarterback Charley Conerly (42), upper right, grabs ball pitched laterally by halfback Frank Gifford (16) at 12-yard line and races for touchdown against Cleveland Browns at New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 21, 1958. After double reverse, started by a Conerly handoff, Gifford moved to the 12 before pitching out. Other players are: Giants' center Ray Wietecha (55), fullback Mel Triplett (33) and end Bob Schnelker (85); Browns' Willie McClund (78) and Bob Gain (79), both tackles. Extra point and a field goal gave Giants 10-0 win for Eastern Division title of NFL. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants quarterback Charley Conerly (42) scores a touchdown as he is tackled by Cleveland Browns Junior Wren (42), as part of a double hand-off resulting in the only touchdown of the NFC Eastern Division playoff game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 21, 1958.(AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants' left end Bob Schnelker (85) catches Frank Gifford's 7-yard touchdown pass to tie up game with Cleveland Browns at 10-all in final period at New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 14, 1958. Cleveland defenders are Ken Konz (center) and Junior Wren (right). Giants' Tackle Frank Youso (72) is in background. Giants kicked a field goal in final two minutes to win game 13-10, and force a playoff by New York and Cleveland for NFL's Eastern Division championship December 21. (AP Photo)
Pat Summerall of the New York Football Giants boots from the 49-yard line, as quarterback Charley Conerly (42) holds, in a play good for three points-- margin of victory over Cleveland Browns at Yankee Stadium, New York, Dec. 14. The play, in the final two minutes of the game, followed another field goal attempt from the 33-yard line by Summerall. At right, in play watched by head linesman Charles Berry (31), Giants' Bill Svoboda (30) blocks Browns' Galen Fiss (35). (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Charley Conerly (42) is chased by Cleveland Browns Bob Gain (79) as part of a double hand-off and lateral play resulting in the only touchdown of the NFC Eastern Division playoff game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 21, 1958.(AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Cleveland Browns cornerback Bernie Parrish (30) attempts to block a kick against the New York Giants during an NFL game Sept. 16, 1962, in Cleveland. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Frank Gifford (16), New York Giants back, reaches unsuccessfully for pass from quarterback Y.A. Tittle in first quarter of NFL game against the Cleveland Browns in New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 9, 1962. Following Gifford is Bernie Parrish of the Browns. (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle the passer is the natural target for hostile linemen. Here some 755 pounds of Cleveland Browns -- Frank Parker (78) 255, Paul Wiggin (84) 245, Bill Glass (80) 255 -- bear down as Tittle gets off his pass on Nov. 12, 1963. (AP Photo/ Bob Goldberg)
Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants' quarterback, elected to pass in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Oct. 27, 1963, and picked up 20 yards in the process. End Bill Glass (80) and Jim Houston (82) of the Browns were ineffective. (AP Photo)
Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14), back in the starting role for the New York club, rolls out under a veil of protection to toss a first period pass to teammate Joe Morrison against the Cleveland Browns, Dec. 12, 1964, at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Pass was incomplete. Offering protection for Tittle are, Ernie Wheelwright, (30) Dick James, (47) and Rosey Brown (79). (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown(32) is seen in action during an NFL game against the New York Giants in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
New York Giants tackler Carl Lockhart, 48, gets one hand on scampering Cleveland fullback Jim Brown, 32, early in game at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 24, 1965, New York. Brown shook off Lockhart and barged ahead for a five-yard gain. The rest of the players are unidentified. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Dick Modzelewski (74) takes on two blockers to pressure New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) during an NFL game, Dec. 4, 1964 in Yankees Stadium. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Leroy Kelly (44) Cleveland Browns back, went down in this fashion as he was tackled by defensive back Freeman White (81) of the New York Giants in the second quarter at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 29, 1967, New York. Other identifiable player is Bill Swain (52), Giants Linebacker. Giants won 38-34. (AP Photo)
Guard Andy Gross (64) of the New York Giants reaches for an elusive pigskin fumbled by Cleveland Browns Carl Ward (27) during a return of Giants kickoff in the third quarter at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 30, 1967, New York. Gross couldnt come up with the ball that eventually was recovered by Giants Carl Lockhart, not shown. Identifiable players are Giants Bruce Anderson (79), Browns Ben Davis (28), and Freeman White (81) of the Giants. The Giants won the NFL game, 38-34. (AP Photo/John Duricka)
Larry Conjar (35) of the Cleveland Browns carries for a first-down in a fourth quarter rally in a game with the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 29, 1967, New York. Clearing a path for the first-down is Browns Gene Hickerson (66) knocking over Giants Carl Lockhart (43). Conjar received from Browns quarterback Frank Ryan. The Giants stopped the last minute rally and won the game 38-34. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) gets set to throw a pass during an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Cleveland Browns Leroy Kelly (44) during a game against the New York Giants on Decemeber 21,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the Cleveland Browns 127-14. Leroy Kelly played for 10 seasons all with the Cleveland Browns He was a 6-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants receiver Emery Moorehead (80) hangs on to second quarter pass from quarterback Jerry Goldstein as Cleveland Brown's defender Oliver Davis (21) arrives too late to break up play during game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 20, 1977. (AP Photo)
New York Giants receiver Emery Moorehead (80) hangs on to second quarter pass from quarterback Jerry Goldstein as Cleveland Brown's defender Oliver Davis (21) arrives too late to break up play during game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 20, 1977. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jamir Miller (95) hurdles the line to give chase to New York Giants running back Ron Dayne (27) in the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, in Cleveland. Dayne gained seven yards on the play. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Tom Carter, left, picks up a first down before being run out of bounds by Cleveland Browns defensive back Earl Little (20) in the first quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, left, attempts to get by Cleveland Browns defensive back Chris Crocker, right, as Giants' Luke Petitgout blocks Browns' Kenard Lang (96) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. Barber gained 106 yards and ran for a touchdown as the Giants beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cleveland Browns tackle Orpheus Roye (99) stops New York Giants running back Michael Cloud (30) for no gain during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giant beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cleveland Browns' quarterback Jeff Garcia (5) is sacked by New York Giants' defensive end Michael Strahan (92) during the second half of play on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Giants beat the Browns 27-10.(AP Photo/Michael Kim)
New York Giants' running back Tiki Barber, center, leaps to a touchdown past Cleveland Browns' Earl Little, left, and Leigh Bodden, right, during the first quarter of play on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Giants beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Michael Kim)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, left, recovers a fumble as he fights Cleveland Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia for the ball during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The ball was snapped over Garcia's head. The Giants won, 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) dives into the end zone in the arms of Cleveland Browns linebacker Andra Davis on a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Jay Afford #93 of the New York Giants helps tackle Jason Wright #29 of the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Rich Seubert #69 of the New York Giants looks to block against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Renaldo Wynn #99 of the New York Giants rushes in against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants battles against Ryan Tucker #72 of the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
The defense of the New York Giants gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns offense at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants drops to pass against the Cleveland Browns on Monday, October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns won the game 35-14. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Eli Manning
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith(12) reaches for the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. Cleveland Browns linebacker Leon Williams (94) approaches from the left. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson (3) holds onto the ball as he's tackled by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins (98) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as guard Chris Snee (76) holds off Cleveland Browns linebacker Leon Williams during a NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles as Cleveland Browns defensive back Brodney Pool rushes toward him during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants half back Brian Jacobs (27) runs away from Cleveland Browns defenders Mike Adams, top, and D'Qwell Jackson during their NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) breaks away from Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) avoids Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) on a kick return during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) returns a kick against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs against Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, right, during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safety Brodney Pool (21) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) runs with a pass against Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) eludes Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams (20) on a run during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) waits for a pass as Cleveland Browns defensive back Brandon McDonald (22) defends during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) catches a touchdown pass against Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) in an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs for 7 yards as Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams (20) and linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (52) move in during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning calls a play at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) after a 15-yard run in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. Ward rushed for 101 yards on 10 carries but the Giants lost to the Browns 35-14. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress comes down in the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown catch as Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) defends in the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning fires a pass past Cleveland Browns linebacker Alex Hall (96) to wide receiver Steve Smith in the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
ttNew York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates a touchdown catch during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) scores a touchdown during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs away from Cleveland Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown (24) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) attempts to make a catch during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass in front of Cleveland Browns defensive back Buster Skrine (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) carries the ball as he jumps over Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya (25) and Cleveland Browns defensive back Buster Skrine (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard, right, tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Cleveland Browns nose tackle Ishmaa'ily Kitchen during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) looks to pass as New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) rushes the passer during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) runs away from Cleveland Browns free safety Usama Young (28) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense before snapping the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Cleveland Browns middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (52), Craig Robertson (53) and Usama Young (28) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) applies pressure during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) breaks a tackle by Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard (58) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a touchdown pass in front of Cleveland Browns cornerback Trevin Wade (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson (33) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants middle linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) falls to the ground after intercepting a pass in the endzone during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch over Cleveland Browns defensive back Marcus Burley (26) during a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) carries the ball during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) gets chased by Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah (90) during a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball against Cleveland Browns defensive end Xavier Cooper (96) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) following a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
A look down the line of scrimmages the New York Giants take on the Cleveland Browns during a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Austin Johnson (98)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) makes a catch during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Sterling Shepard (87)
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a catch during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Carter Coughlin (49)
New York Giants linebacker Cam Brown (47) attempts to block a field goal during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Logan Ryan (23), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Sterling Shepard (87),
Darius Slayton (86)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Devante Downs (52)
Julian Love (20)
Blake Martinez (54)
Austin Johnson (98)
Evan Engram (88)
The Giants got their first opportunity to break the monotony of training camp in their preseason opener Saturday vs. the Jets. Although the 12-7 loss was hardly a scintillating game, it gave the offense, defense and special teams their first opportunity to face players and schemes they don't see every day. They will expand those horizons in the four days of practices with the Browns and Patriots, which the coaches believe is extremely valuable.
"I think you change the environment up," said offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, another joint practice veteran from his long tenure as the Dallas Cowboys' head coach. "You go against other people, you hit other people, you see different systems. It's a naturally more competitive environment for everybody. It's naturally a little bit more uncomfortable. You don't know how the other guys are, what the systems are, what the schemes are, so everybody has to respond to that and that's a great opportunity to grow. I think it will be a good week for us in Cleveland and next week up in New England, it'll be fun for us. I think we'll grow as a team as a result."
"It just gives you different looks," wide receiver Sterling Shepard said. "You get tired of seeing the same guys every day and it helps you with having to mix things up. But just to get a different look and different guys skillsets around the league is going to help you get better ultimately, too."
Shepard looks forward to seeing his former teammate and still friend Odell Beckham, Jr., the Giants former Pro Bowl wide receiver who was traded to Cleveland in March 2019. The two receivers and Saquon Barkley worked out together in the offseason in Arizona. Shepard said he speaks to Beckham every week.
"He's just excited to see us and see his boys," Shepard said. "That's pretty much all we've been talking about."
Pro Bowl cornerback James Bradberry will have an opportunity to hone his craft against Beckham, who missed the final nine games of the 2020 season after tearing his ACL.
"I'm looking forward to facing the entire Browns team," Bradberry said. "You got some good receivers other than Odell: Jarvis Landry, (Rashard) Higgins, Donovan Peoples (Jones), so they got some good receivers all across the board that I'm ready to go against."
The coaches and players aren't the only members of the Giants organization who will benefit from the practice get-togethers. Every NFL team must remove 32 players from its roster before the regular season. General manager Dave Gettleman said the Giants will "absolutely" scout the players on one team that won a playoff game in 2020 (Cleveland) and another that traditionally excels at that time of year.
"I'll be there," Gettleman said. "(Co-director of player personnel) Mark Koncz, (co-director of player personnel) Tim McDonnell will be there. (Director of college scouting) Chris Pettit is going to be there. So, we'll all have our guys to look at. Absolutely, it's a scouting process. Obviously, at night, we'll go back and watch the film. That's one of the nice things because you can get up on top of guys, see their body style, their builds, what they look like it. It's a great opportunity to scout players up close and personal."
Seems like a victory for everyone.
View photos of the New York Giants' active 53-man roster as it currently stands.
RB Saquon Barkley
RB Devontae Booker
CB James Bradberry
G Ben Bredeson
RB Gary Brightwell
LB Lorenzo Carter
WR Pharoh Cooper
DB Keon Crossen
LB Tae Crowder
OT Korey Cunningham
P Riley Dixon
TE Evan Engram
QB Jake Fromm
K Graham Gano
FB Cullen Gillaspia
QB Mike Glennon
WR Kenny Golladay
G Will Hernandez
DT Austin Johnson
WR Collin Johnson
DL Raymond Johnson III
QB Daniel Jones
LS Casey Kreiter
DL Dexter Lawrence
DB Julian Love
G Wes Martin
LB Benardrick McKinney
S Xavier McKinney
TE Chris Myarick
LB Azeez Ojulari
DB Steven Parker
OT Matt Peart
FB Elijhaa Penny
C Billy Price
LB Reggie Ragland
DB J.R. Reed
LB Quincy Roche
TE Kyle Rudolph
DB Logan Ryan
DT Danny Shelton
WR Sterling Shepard
OL Matt Skura
WR Darius Slayton
LB Elerson G. Smith
OT Nate Solder
OT Andrew Thomas
DT Leonard Williams
