Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sets tone for Browns defense through energy, 'flying around'

BEREA — Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had for himself what one would call "a day" in the Browns win over the San Francisco 49ers. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he could see it coming on the very first play of the game.

Not the first offensive play, mind you. The very first play.

"Well, I would point out, first of all, his play on the opening kickoff was outstanding," Stefanski said a day after the 19-17 win. "He came down. He really set the tone, I think, for the entire day, with how hard he played and how physical and violent he plays."

Owusu-Koramoah didn't make the tackle of 49ers return man Ray-Ray McCloud III on the kick. However, it was his effort in knocking one of McCloud's primary blockers backward that allowed for his teammates to get down and force San Francisco to start at its own 16.

And that was the case with Owusu-Koramoah throughout the game. Although, to be fair, he also made more than his share of plays as well.

Owusu-Koramoah finished with five combined tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one pass defensed and one sack. He also nearly came up with an interception on a deep crossing route in the third quarter, two plays before Martin Emerson Jr. actually picked off 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.

"I feel like I left a lot on the field," the third-year pro said after the game. "That’s just me and my criticism, wanting to be the best player I can be. But it’s progress. We’ll make some corrections and, for me, I’ll work on things. I left the interception on the field. Could’ve got some strip-sacks instead of just a sack. Lot of stuff left on the field, but we’ll progress."

Although Stefanski said Owusu-Koramoah set the tone with his play on the opening kickoff, his effort on the opening play of the 49ers' second possession may have been the real game-changer. It helped prevent San Francisco from potentially opening up a two-touchdown lead midway through the first quarter.

Already in possession of a 7-0 lead, the 49ers had the ball at the Browns 26 after an interception by Fred Warner. Purdy threw a screen pass to Christian McCaffrey to the left, but Owusu-Koramoah came charging up to drop McCaffrey for an 8-yard loss.

San Francisco ended the drive without any points when Jake Moody missed a 54-yard field goal. It was at the same end that Moody later missed a 41-yard try with 9 seconds remaining that would've given the 49ers the win.

"He's a big playmaker for us," defensive end Myles Garrett said. "He's a bundle of energy. He's always bringing positive energy to the group. Whether he's on the sideline, he's out there, we know he's going to make a play. He has a unique skill set unlike most other in his position, and we know when he's fully confident that something exciting is going to happen for us. So always happy to see him out there flying around."

The energy Owusu-Koramoah brings to the game is something he said is on par with what he brings in stats. A lull in energy could lead to a lull in performance, which can open the door to a drive such as the one the 49ers nearly completed at the end of the game.

It's why it was a point of emphasis to him from the first day of training camp. The payoff has come through the first five games of the season.

"Energy is very important," Owusu-Koramoah said. "Energy allows us to propel ourselves and do things that we want to do. So that’s something I’ve been working on this year. When you watch Fred Warner and those guys, the best linebackers in the league, you see them, they’re energized."

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on Twitter at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sets tone for Browns defense through energy