LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (12.5.22)
On LB Sione Takitaki sustaining a season-ending ACL injury in yesterday’s game:
“It is disappointing every time we hear of one of our teammates who we have gone through much energy, much effort and many hours and many minutes with going down. Sione is a high-energy guy, no matter what occurs and no matter what happens. I am sure you will continue to see him around the facility and continue to see him around the linebacker room and energetic on the sidelines, if they allow him to, being involved continuously helping us out with our calls and fits and everything. It is disappointing, but we have to play the cards that have been dealt to us.”
On how the Browns adjust at MIKE with Takitaki out for the season, along with previous injuries at the position:
“Personnel wise, we are in the NFL. Our job is to fill in and do what the coaches require of us to do. Personnel wise, we will make changes, we will adjust and we will see what comes out of it.”
On Takitaki’s contributions on defense this season in an expanded role and how that can continue despite Takitaki not being available to play:
“He is a large communicator. No matter whether he is at SAM, MIKE or WILL, he is a large communicator. He is able to get the guys in line. He is also a guy that watches a lot of film so in that aspect.”
On LB Tony Fields II’s performance yesterday:
“I knew when me and Tone came in that he was going to be a guy who took off at some point by just the way that he played in college. I thought he played pretty similar to me on his tape with his aggression and his ability to get from Point A to Point B and just being instinctive. He has shown that the last two games and really all season on special teams doing his thing. I am looking forward to seeing what comes out of that. I really am.”
On if it feels like the Browns defense is starting to get rolling after strong performances in recent weeks:
“You guys can see what progress we are starting to make – stopping the run a little bit more, having a high intent to be able to take away the ball and just wanting to communicate more, wanting to be around the guys more and wanting to be together more and wanting to stop the offense and to have that pride, have that Cleveland on your chest and really represent it. We are getting into the flow. I wouldn’t say that wea re there yet. I wouldn’t even say that we are close yet. I think we are just getting started, and as time goes, you will see things start to continue to progress.”
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