Rams' Ernest Jones Emerged as Defensive Leader vs. Seahawks
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 in their regular season opener on Sunday evening.
While the offense scored what would've been the Rams' third-highest point total in a game last season, the defense fueled that run, according to coach Sean McVay.
Rams linebacker Ernest Jones was the leader of the defense against the Seahawks, as he finished the victory with a team-high eight tackles, including three for loss.
In Jones' first tackle for loss, he took a slight step forward in case of a hand-off but quickly shifted back upon realizing quarterback Geno Smith would be throwing the ball. Jones started to run towards running back Ken Walker while his eyes were on Smith, anticipating a potential screen. The split-second that Smith gazed towards Walker, Jones sprinted by the offensive tackle and made the play for a seven-yard loss in the red zone.
In Jones' second tackle for loss, he joined the rest of the front seven by coming forward after anticipating a run play. Jones looked for a hole to blitz through, but the trenches were completely clogged. Jones eventually saw a small gap before running back DeeJay Dallas did and dove for the ankles to make a stop behind the line.
In Jones' third tackle for loss, he stayed in pass coverage in the middle of the field while the rest of the front seven attacked the line of scrimmage. Smith rolled out and found Walker, which was when Jones stormed in and brought him down by the ankles.
Oct 7, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Troy Reeder (51) and linebacker Ernest Jones (50) celebrate following a missed field goal by the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
These three big-time plays resemble Jones' patience, recognition, adaptability, and speed. All of those assets are what coaches crave in a hard-hitting linebacker, and he is hoping to perfect those abilities over the next few months.
Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris stressed during training camp that he needs a young player to step up as a leader on his side of the ball. The 23-year-old might have emerged as the answer to Morris' prayers.
Jones is entering his third season in the NFL after winning the Super Bowl in year one, then going 5-12 in year two. Jones had two of the best linebackers of the decade as leaders in Von Miller (2021) and Bobby Wagner (2022).
Jones finished with 114 tackles while playing 66 percent of snaps last season and only trailed Wagner for the most on the team. Wagner signed with the Seahawks and played against Jones and his former team on Sunday.
Jones utilized what Wagner and Miller taught him throughout the offseason and helped him gain some recognition on Sunday.
