While the Cleveland Browns lost in Week 5, and the defense struggled mightily during the game, there were some positive plays to look at. Earlier today, we showed you the speed and closing ability of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The rookie’s elevation into the starting lineup and, this week, a full workload of snaps has been exciting to watch.
Somewhat lost in the bevy of injury concerns that impacted the Browns against the Los Angeles Chargers was Jadeveon Clowney’s injury. Initially on the injury report with an elbow problem, Clowney also may be dealing with a knee issue.
Clowney has been the perfect partner across from (and sometimes next to) Myles Garrett. Takk McKinley has supplied adequate pressure and good depth backing both of them up. In Week 5, McKinley stepped into Clowney’s starting role and played well.
On this play, McKinley plows over the right tackle and, even after a slight stumble, gets a strong hit on QB Justin Herbert:
The #Browns have had great efforts in pass rush from Takk McKinley in 2021. This bull rush off the left side was……effective. pic.twitter.com/LGEkTOzf2Q
— OBR Film Breakdown (@TheOBRFilmBDN) October 12, 2021
McKinley’s pressure forced an incompletion and shows the explosive ability that garnered Andrew Berry’s attention. Berry attempted to claim McKinley multiple times last year before signing him to a one-year deal in free agency.
Despite the defense’s struggle and the team’s loss, it is exciting for Browns fans to see another disruptive defender step up with Clowney’s absence.
