Tag: ernest jones

It sure sounds like Sean McVay has some regret over the terrible Ernest Jones trade

The Rams shockingly traded Ernest Jones for almost nothing in return and Sean McVay seems to regret that move now

As good a tandem as Sean McVay and Les Snead are in Los Angeles, they haven’t exactly gotten the greatest returns when it comes to trading players like Jalen Ramsey, Marcus Peters and now Ernest Jones.

At the time, the decision to trade away Jones just before Week 1 was a curious one. What they got in return was even more shocking. Along with Jones, the Rams traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Titans for a 2026 fifth-rounder – essentially moving up just one round in exchange for one of the team’s best defenders.

We haven’t gotten the full story on the reasoning behind that puzzling deal, but it sure sounds like McVay has some regrets about it. With Jones now in Seattle after the Titans traded him to the Seahawks last week – for more than the Rams got in their trade, mind you – McVay was asked about the trade and how it’s worked out.

“I think I’ve been pleased with some of the things that guys have done. It’d be hard to deny the production that he’s had when you look at what he’s done at Tennessee and even just in his first week (in Seattle) last week,” McVay said. “He’s a great player and he did a lot of good things for us. I think all the decisions that we make in the moment we feel like are in the best interest. I’m not going to pretend and act like every decision is accurate. You try to be able to learn from it and apply it moving forward, but you know that you’re playing against a really well-respected player, mentally and physically tough. Seems like he’s always around the football. I wish him well and it’s going to be a great challenge going against him.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IGl3tvST6DE?si=HICXTyVWLUQT8Wnv

Jones seemed to be playing well for the Titans before they surprisingly traded him to the Seahawks for Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick, but he’s already had a positive impact on the Seahawks.

In his first game with Seattle just four days after being traded to the Seahawks, he had 15 tackles and played every single snap. He’s always been a dynamic playmaker in the middle of the defense, particularly against the run and as a blitzer, and there’s no question the Rams could use him right about now.

Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom have not played well, and now Reeder is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Omar Speights has a promising future but he’s not close to where Jones currently is as a player.

Don’t be surprised if Jones has a big game against his former team on Sunday, reminding them what they traded away for a bag of peanuts.

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.

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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.

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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.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Bills

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Bills

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense will face a difficult test against a high-octane Buffalo Bills offense in Sunday’s Week 8 contest. The Bills are currently averaging a fifth-best 28.8 points per contest, and a 19th-ranked 321 yards per game. We’ve conjured up three bold predictions for Seattle’s defense versus Sean McDermott’s squad.

Ernest Jones leads the defense in tackles

Seahawks general manager John Schneider upgraded Mike Macdonald’s defense by acquiring linebacker Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans for Jerome Baker and a draft pick. Jones will be playing MIKE linebacker in Seattle, and he joins the defense having made 44 tackles for the Titans. He’s a playmaker that could lead Sunday’s game in tackles.

The Seahawks force another fumble

Macdonald’s defense made a big-time play in the dominant victory over the Atlanta Falcons last weekend When Derick Hall turned a Boye Mafe strip-sack into a 36 yard scoop-and-score. The Bills have only fumbled twice this season, but Seattle has a core pass-rushing group together that creates chaos in the backfield. Look for Macdonald’s opportunistic defense to create a turnover or two.

Josh Allen throws his first interception of the season

The Bills are the only team yet to throw an interception. Allen has avoided a turnover via the air while ranking 17th among quarterbacks in passing attempts (189). The Seahawks have recorded a middling four interceptions, and could force Allen into his first misfire of the campaign.

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What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

The Seattle Seahawks acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday in exchange for Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones will immediately step into Seattle’s starting lineup opposite Tyrel Dodson. He brings aggression and violence to Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have largely been displeased with the outputs of their run defense this season. Entering Sunday’s Week 8 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle is allowing a 28th-ranked 146.1 rushing yards per contest. Macdonald has routinely criticized the linebackers for missing tackles and playing with poor gap discipline.

Jones could help solve Seattle’s issues. The former South Carolina standout ranked second on the Titans in tackles (44) at the time of his departure. That will also rank second on the Seahawks, with Dodson and Julian Love (55) tied for the team-lead mark.

Jones is a downhill linebacker with outstanding read-and-react ability. Pro Football Focus has assigned him a stellar grade of 68.4 as a run defender this season. That’s notably higher than what Baker (62.6) and Dodson (54.0) have earned this season.

Jones has also been credited with 19 total stops. Jones has missed three tackles, which equals Dodson’s missed-tackle total to date, but is notably lower than Baker’s (6). That alone could help improve Seattle’s run defense.

If there’s one area of Jones’ game that requires improving, it’s coverage. He’s been credited with allowing 12 receptions on 14 targets this season for 151 yards and a passer rating allowed of 111.6, en route to a coverage score of 54.0. The Seahawks will likely continue using Dodson as their main coverage ‘backer, as he’s performed significantly better in man and zone situations, allowing 14 catches on 20 targets for 141 yards, and a passer rating of 89.8.

Jones is an excellent linebacker. The Seahawks were awfully familiar with him from his Los Angeles Rams & NFC West days. Jones is a big-time upgrade for Macdonald’s defense.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

The Seattle Seahawks upgraded their defensive corps on Wednesday by trading Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Ernest Jones IV. Jones should immediately help improve Mike Macdonald’s defense. Coach Macdonald already spoke about the player, even offering details on where he fits in the starting lineup.

“He loves football, he’s tough as nails, and we’re excited to get him here,” Macdonald said about Jones. “We’re working through that [his position] right now, but we’ll probably put Ernest at MIKE [linebacker] and have Tito [Tyrel Dodson] at weak-side linebacker right now,” Macdonald said when asked if Jones would step into Baker’s weak-side role.

It’s notable because Dodson had been playing MIKE linebacker in Seattle’s defense this season. Instead of having Jones fill Baker’s previous weak-side role like-for-like, the Seahawks plan to have Jones swap roles with Dodson.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have been dissatisfied with the state of their defense, particularly in the run game. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider has made aggressive moves in recent weeks to acquire Jones and defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris. Having Jones and Dodson swap positions is another tweak to Macdonald’s in-progress defense.

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Titans’ Kenneth Murray: Ernest Jones ‘is gonna be missed’

Tennessee Titans LB Kenneth Murray speaks out after the trade of sidekick Ernest Jones to the Seattle Seahawks.

Many different feelings were floating around the Tennessee Titans locker room Wednesday after the team traded both wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and linebacker Ernest Jones.

Of the two deals, the Jones trade may have been the biggest shock. Having only acquired him in September, Jones appeared to seamlessly settle into the defense and make an impact. He also fit in well next to linebacker Kenneth Murray and solidified the inside linebacker position.

Count Murray as a player who was a little surprised by the move.

“It’s unfortunate,” he said. “I’m definitely sad about it. I feel like that’s my dawg, my sidekick, whatever you want to call it. He’s a great person, great teammate, he’s definitely going to be missed.”

Football is a business and the move with Jones could just be a business deal, but it was also a move that seemed to come from nowhere. Jones was slated to be a free agent at the end of the season. If he wasn’t in the plan moving forward, then the deal makes some sense, but it will impact the defense.

Murray and Jones did mesh well together and it will be interesting to watch how this position moves forward in 2024. With rookie Cedric Gray appearing to be close to a return from his stint on injured reserve, does this move signal that the team believes he is the long-term solution? At this point, nothing is certain.

Linebacker Jerome Baker was also acquired in the trade, he is an experienced starter and has flashed explosive ability in the past. If he is fully healthy and can pick up the defense, he could help pick up the slack. But like Jones, he will be a free agent at the end of 2024, and is a larger question mark in the system with 11 games remaining.

Tune in Sunday for the Titans’ Week 8 battle with the Detroit Lions to see how they fill the void left by the Jones trade.

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What the Titans get with new linebacker Jerome Baker

The Tennessee Titans swapped linebackers sending Ernest Jones to the Seattle Seahawks for Jerome Baker. Here is what the gain with the move.

The Tennessee Titans acquired LB Jerome Baker from the Seattle Seahawks in the Ernest Jones trade. So, what are the Titans getting with the addition of this veteran linebacker? Let’s take a look.

Like Jones, Baker will be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2024 season and will be departing the Seahawks after a very short stint in Seattle. The Seahawks signed the veteran linebacker in March to a one-year $7 million contract. Clearly, things didn’t work out. 

He was signed after playing six seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Baker underwent surgery on his wrist in January and was eventually released by the Dolphins with a failed physical designation. The 27-year-old linebacker was a third-round pick by the Dolphins in 2018 and has started 82 games in his six NFL seasons. Before his release, he was entering the final year of a three-year, $37.5 million contract he signed in 2021. 

The veteran linebacker has battled a hamstring injury while with the Seahawks, which has limited his production. On the season, Baker has recorded 37 tackles (21 solo), one sack, and one forced fumble. He finished his time with the Seahawks with a 62.7 PFF grade. 

One can argue that Jones is superior to Baker at this point, but it is clear that he was not in the team’s long-term plans at the linebacker position. Baker is a solid veteran who can help mentor Cedric Gray, who the Titans likely view as the solution inside next to Kenneth Murray. 

If Baker can pick up the defense quickly, he should be available to make his debut with the Titans on Sunday when they face the Detroit Lions. However, he will likely be inactive, with preparations in full swing.  

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The Titans traded Ernest Jones back to the NFC West – and got more than the Rams did in August

The Titans traded Ernest Jones to the Seahawks and somehow got more for the LB than the Rams did in August

Former Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones is heading back to the NFC West after only six games with the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South.

According to Brady Henderson of ESPN, the Titans are trading Jones to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for linebacker Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick. And yes, that’s more than the Rams got for Jones less than two months ago when they shocking shipped him off to Tennessee just before the season started.

Somehow, the Titans managed to get more in return for Jones than the Rams did. In the Rams’ deal, they sent Jones and a sixth-round pick to the Titans for a fifth-rounder. It’s obviously a poor reflection on the Rams, who everyone believed should’ve gotten more for Jones but they were apparently desperate to jettison him off the roster.

Jones played six games with the Titans, recording 44 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two pass breakups and one QB hit. He’ll now have a chance to face the Rams this season, and not just one time, but twice.

The Rams face the Seahawks next week in Seattle and then again in Week 8 at home – which will be Jones’ first game back in Los Angeles, assuming he isn’t traded a third time.