Tag: Ernest Jones IV

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

The Seattle Seahawks were displeased with their linebacker play in the middle of the season. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald decided to call an audible. The team acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Since then, the Seahawks have also released Tyrel Dodson. They began the campaign with Baker and Dodson at off-ball linebacker, and that duo has since been swapped out for Jones and day-three rookie Tyrice Knight. It appears to be a shrewd decision, particularly with Jones playing fantastic football against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s critical Week 11 victory within the NFC West.

Jones recorded a team-high 13 tackles. A run defense that’s struggled with tackling and gap discipline at times this season limited 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry. Backup running back Jordan Mason, who played well in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season, rushed for 13 yards via two carries.

“This defense, I look to my left and see. T-Knight [Tyrice Knight], I look behind me and I see ‘Spoon [Devon Witherspoon] and those safeties,” Jones said about the Seahawks’ defense following the 49ers victory. “We can go out there [as a defense] and play with anybody. We showed what we are. We played physically and with discipline. I think we can be something special,” Jones concluded.

Jones’ evaluation of Seattle’s defense is accurate. Poor linebacker play and discipline at times held back Macdonald’s unit from reaching its capable productivity earlier this campaign. Jones has completely transformed the defense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

The Seattle Seahawks made the surprising decision to release starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson earlier this week. Dodson was leading the Seahawks in tackles with 71 and has since been claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins. The move will catapult rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight into the starting lineup opposite Ernest Jones IV.

Jones was recently acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans that sent linebacker Jerome Baker and a mid-round 2025 draft pick to Nashville. In two appearances with the Seahawks thus far, Jones has recorded 24 tackles and one pass breakup. On Thursday, he discussed the team’s decision to release Dodson and promote Knight with members of local media.

“He hasn’t played that many games,” Jones said about Knight. “He doesn’t have experience on his side, but he comes to work every day. You can tell he’s a good player. He can flow and mimic the ball carriers. I feel confident in knowing that he’s going to execute on Sunday [versus the San Francisco 49ers]. We need to communicate and make it simple for him. I’ve been traded twice [this season], nothing surprises me,” Jones concluded when asked if Dodson’s departure surprised him.

The No. 119 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Knight played college football at UTEP. The rookie fourth-rounder had previously been playing a rotational role for the Seahawks. Heading into Sunday’s showdown versus the 49ers, Knight has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots due to injury, the athletic linebacker posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Seahawks will require that type of effort from Knight to slow down Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers on Sunday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks pulled a stunner earlier this week when they released starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. Dodson has since been claimed by the Miami Dolphins off waivers. The move should afford rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight an opportunity to start next to Ernest Jones IV in a new-look linebacker corps.

A fourth-round rookie out of UTEP, Knight has played sporadically for the Seahawks defense this season. The rookie No. 119 overall selection has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots, Knight posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dodson led the Seahawks in tackles prior to his release with 71 takedowns. Dodson had also been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays, accounting for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps.

The Seahawks had however been displeased with Dodson’s performances and the overall state of their linebackers. Macdonald is unhappy with a 26th-ranked run defense that is allowing 139.4 yards per outing. Knight, who was an outstanding run defender in college, could prove to be an eventual upgrade if the Seahawks give him an opportunity, while staying patient with his development.

The Seahawks return from their Week 10 bye to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. Former Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey has returned for the 49ers. Knight and the new-look Seahawks defense will face a difficult challenge in their first post-Dodson test.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks made the shocking and unforeseen decision to release linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract on Monday. Prior to the move, Dodson had been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays. That accounted for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps heading into Week 11.

Dodson leads the Seahawks in tackles with 71. The versatile ‘backer had also totaled two sacks, two pass breakups, and five tackles for loss. On Monday, Macdonald explained the logic behind the decision to release the proven Dodson from his contract.

“We took a step back and realized where we were at,” Macdonald said about the move. “It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson]. We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity. I hope those guys grab the opportunity by the horns. This also gives Tyrel [Dodson] an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the season strong.”

The Seahawks signed Dodson to a one-year deal worth up to $5.51 million in free agency. His contract was actually $4.26 million with the ability to earn additional money via performance-based incentives. The Seahawks are inheriting $1 million in dead money, per Spotrac. If Dodson goes unclaimed on waivers, Seattle will owe him the remaining $4 million of his salary.

The Seahawks have been displeased with their linebacker play all season long. General manager John Schneider signed Dodson and Jerome Baker to be the linebacker pairing in the offseason. That strategy has backfired miserably. Seattle currently ranks 26th in run defense (139.4/game). Baker was recently traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, meaning both Week 1 starting linebackers are no longer on the roster.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on defense vs. Rams

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on defense vs. Rams

The Seattle Seahawks were defeated 26-20 by the Los Angeles Rams in overtime on Sunday. The defense forced the Rams offensive into seven three-and-outs and limited them to 366 total yards of offense. Pro Football Focus had the following three Seahawks defenders as their highest-graded talents on that side of the ball versus the Rams.

Ernest Jones IV | 83.4

Ernest Jones IV was PFF’s fifth-highest graded linebacker in Week 9. He scored even better as a run defender, earning a third-highest 85.7. Jones IV recorded five pressures, three stops, and two pressures. The sideline-to-sideline linebacker has been an excellent addition to the defense following his acquisition in a trade with the Tennessee Titans.

Boye Mafe | 73.4

Boye Mafe has been a steady performer all campaign long. The 2022 second-round selection accumulated two quarterback pressures and two tackles versus the Rams. Mafe was also a force multiplier as a run defender, scoring a steady 73.4 in the run defense department.

Devon Witherspoon | 73.3

Cornerback Devon Witherspoon was credited with allowing five receptions on eight targets for 52 receiving yards against Matthew Stafford. His overall defensive grade of 73.3 was his third-best individually graded game of the season. Witherspoon has yet to allow a touchdown catch this year. He’s allowing just 8.7 yards per catch in 2024.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones has had to play Bills in back to back weeks

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones has had to play Bills in back to back weeks

The Seattle Seahawks learned the hard way that the Buffalo Bills are one of the league’s best. Their 31-10 loss to them was, by margin of defeat, the worst home loss the Seahawks have suffered since a 42-7 loss to the Rams during the 2017 season.

Unfortunately, a disastrous multi-score loss to the Bills is something newly-acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV has had to endure in back-to-back weekends. Seattle traded for Jones from the Tennessee Titans, who in Week 7, had a road game to western New York.

Tennessee took an early 10-0 lead… and then allowed 34 unanswered to suffer a 34-10 defeat. Jones had 5 total tackles, one quarterback hit, and one pass defense.

While his new team also could not score more than 10 points in yet another loss to Buffalo, Jones performed much better in Week 8. Jones made an immediate impact for Seattle, leading the team with 15 total tackles. The next best Seahawk was Josh Jobe, who only had seven tackles.

Not much of anything went well for the Seahawks on Sunday. When you have a 21-point home loss, it is a failure on both sides of the ball and in all phases of the game. But head coach Mike Macdonald did give Jones some praise, calling his strong performance a “silver lining” in the Week 8 debacle.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Roy Robertson-Harris and Ernest Jones IV haven’t fixed Seahawks run defense yet

Roy Robertson-Harris and Ernest Jones IV haven’t fixed Seahawks run defense yet

The Seattle Seahawks acquired veteran defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris and linebacker Ernest Jones IV in separate trades over the past two weeks. The idea was to help improve a struggling defense, particularly in the run game. That hope did not come to fruition in Sunday’s embarrassing 31-10 Week 8 blowout defeat to the Buffalo Bills.

Bills starting running back James Cook rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns via seven carries. He averaged an explosive 6.5 yards per carry, routinely gashing Mike Macdonald’s defense on the ground. Backup running back Ray Davis, a fourth-round rookie, averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Dual-threat Bills quarterback Josh Allen added 25 rushing yards to Buffalo’s offensive totals.

All in all, the Bills accumulated 445 total yards of offense, out-gaining the Seahawks 164-32 on the ground. An effective and efficient rushing attack kept the Bills in favorable down-and-distance situations, leading to their offense converting better than 50 percent (8-15) on third downs. Cook scored two second-half rushing touchdowns to put the game out of Seattle’s reach.

The Seahawks are now the league’s 29th-ranked run defense, allowing 148.4 rushing yards per outing. Jones recorded a team-high 15 tackles on Sunday, but he also got bowled over by Cook at the goal line. Robertson-Harris played a more anonymous game. Both Jones and Robertson-Harris will improve Seattle’s defense, but Sunday’s showing was a struggle, proving the Seahawks’ issues are larger than one or two players.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Analyzing Ernest Jones’ Seahawks debut in Week 8

Analyzing Ernest Jones’ Seahawks debut in Week 8

The Seattle Seahawks acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans last week in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and fellow linebacker Jerome Baker. Immediately entering the starting lineup, Jones made his Seahawks debut in Sunday’s disappointing 31-10 Week 8 defeat to the Buffalo Bills. Jones played well, despite the lackluster defensive showing.

Jones recorded a season-high 15 tackles against the Bills. It was Jones’ third double-digit tackle game of the season, according to ESPN Stats & Info, who credited him with one stuff. Despite his mostly positive afternoon, he unfortunately made highlight reels when Bills running back James Cook flattened him at the goal line on a touchdown run, forcing his helmet to come flying off.

Mike Macdonald immediately placed his trust in Jones, who played all 76 defensive snaps. He was one of three Seahawks defenders to play every single snap, joining Coby Bryant and Tyrel Dodson. Macdonald immediately leaned on Jones in an attempt to fix his defensive issues.

Pro Football Focus credited Jones with a 54.6 overall defensive grade. His 15 tackles easily led the Seahawks in that department. Despite the so-so overall grade, Jones’ tackling score of 84.6, his highest of the season, was elite. He did struggle in coverage, allowing four receptions on five targets for 59 yards, 14.8 yards per catch, and a passer rating of 115.8.

Jones represents an upgrade for the Seahawks at linebacker, but it mattered little on Sunday versus elite quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills’ high-flying offense. The early indication is that Jones was a good acquisition, but the Seahawks still have defensive issues to address. Sunday was a step in the wrong direction.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Ernest Jones IV facing the Bills in back-to-back weeks after trade

Ernest Jones IV facing the Bills in back-to-back weeks after trade

The Buffalo Bills will have the rare chance to face the same player in back-to-back weeks as the team heads to Seattle to face the Seahawks in Week 8.

After a trade between the Seahawks and Tennessee Titans following Week 7, the Bills will go against linebacker Ernest Jones IV again after facing him against the Titans last week.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Seahawks traded LB Jerome Baker and a fourth-round draft pick to the Titans for Jones.

In last week’s loss to the Bills, Jones posted five tackles and a pass defended. He appeared on the Bills’ “mic’d up” video of Josh Allen, as he and Allen were bickering back and forth after he made a touchdown-saving tackle on Allen.

Allen will see him again on Sunday. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said Jones will see plenty of action against the Bills and that he will fill the middle linebacker role for Seattle, pushing former Bills linebacker Tyrel Dodson from middle to weakside linebacker.

So, Allen will be familiar with both of Seattle’s linebackers in Week 8. One he faced just last game and the other he went against in practice before this year.

Just last week, a similar situation took place in the NFL. Davante Adams lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6 as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, and then after being traded to the New York Jets, he lost again to the Steelers in Week 7.

Allen and the Bills are trying to provide Jones with a similar experience.

[lawrence-related id=142060,142099,142092]

Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson says switching positions will unlock his potential

Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson says switching positions will unlock his potential

The Seattle Seahawks acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow ‘backer Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones will make his Seahawks debut against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Head coach Mike Macdonald recently said that he’ll play the MIKE linebacker position, forcing Tyrel Dodson to switch over to the weak-side [WILL] spot.

It represents a change in approach, because Dodson had actually been playing MIKE linebacker this season. Dodson, who played the weak-side linebacker position in Buffalo throughout 2023, believes the switch will lead to him recapturing his best form.

“We’re still working on that [who will be playing where],” Dodson told reporters on Thursday. “I’m a team-first guy. Moving over to the WILL [linebacker] position, it’s still linebacker at the end of the day. It’s not that much different. I’ll get to play in space a little bit more. I played it last year in Buffalo. You’re covering running backs out of the backfield. You’re in space covering tight ends. I had my best year at this position last year in Buffalo. Hopefully I have my best year again. I’m looking forward to it,” Dodson added.

Pro Football Focus has credited Dodson with an overall defensive grade of 68.1. The former Texas A&M standout has been especially stellar in coverage, earning a 75.5. Playing weak-side linebacker will ask him to defend running backs and tight ends in space more frequently. Last year, Dodson had an elite grade of 89.5 while playing the WILL in Buffalo.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]