Tag: Jerome baker

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.

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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.

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Seahawks to release starting LB Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to release starting LB Tyrel Dodson

The United States may be enjoying a holiday today, but time does not stop for the NFL, or the Seattle Seahawks. On Monday, some major news was broken by ESPN’s Brady Henderson.

Henderson dropped an unexpected bombshell that the Seahawks were releasing linebacker Tyrel Dodson. This comes as a massive change to Seattle’s struggling defense, as Dodson had started all nine games for the Hawks.

Seattle brought Dodson over this offseason from Buffalo on a one-year deal. Paired alongside Jerome Baker from Miami on a similar one-year contract, Dodson and Baker represented an interesting decision from the Seahawks to replace Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks with less expensive options.

Nine games into the season, it is safe to say this strategy has failed to a spectacular degree. Baker was traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, who was an immediate upgrade at the position right from the get-go. Now, they have moved on from their other offseason acquisition midway through the season. Both players were only contracted for a single season in Seattle, and neither made it through the year.

Dodson finished his stint with the Seahawks with 41 solo tackles (second most on the team, behind Pro Bowl safety Julian Love), two pass defenses, two sacks and one forced fumble. Presumably, Dodson’s departure opens up an opportunity for rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight, who has 23 total tackles on the year.

At 4-5, Seattle is looking for answers to right the ship. Especially since they are in last place, and their division rivals created separation this weekend.

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Titans elevate QB Trevor Siemian, RB Josh Kelley from practice squad

The Tennessee Titans dipped into their practice squad to add some reinforcements for their Week 8 battle with the Detroit Lions.

When the Tennessee Titans take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday, they will have some added reinforcements on hand after a flurry of activity on Saturday.

The Titans elevated quarterback Trevor Siemian and running back Josh Kelley for the contest.

The elevation of Siemian likely means Will Levis will be inactive on Sunday. This move was somewhat expected as Mason Rudolph took most of the first-team reps during the week while Levis was limited with his shoulder injury.

Kelley being activated comes at the cost of Tyjae Spears, who has been battling a hamstring injury. Head coach Brian Callahan was optimistic that Spears would return after missing the past two games but struggled coming back and was limited throughout the week.

With backup Julius Chestnut also on the injury report earlier in the week, Kelley becomes some much-needed insurance at the position.

While announcing the activations, the team downgraded Spears and newly acquired linebacker Jerome Baker to out for Sunday.

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Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed out vs. Lions

The Tennessee Titans released their final injury report for Week 8 and see multiple starters questionable for the meeting with the Detroit Lions.

The Tennessee Titans will head north to the Motor City on Sunday afternoon to take on the Detroit Lions at Ford Field

Coming off an embarrassing loss against the Bills, the Titans are banged up and could see multiple starters on the sideline against the Lions. 

Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quad) did not practice and is out this week. He will be joined on the sidelines by tackle Jaelyn Duncan (hamstring) who was injured against the Bills. 

Newly acquired LB Jerome Baker (NIR/rest) will join QB Will Levis (shoulder), RB Tyjae Spears (hamstring), DT T’Vondre Sweat (hip) and CB Jarvis Brownlee, who was a late addition to the injury report and limited on Friday with an ankle injury as questionable for Sunday.

Full injury reports for both the Titans and Lions can be found below.

Tennessee Titans

Out: CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad), OT Jaelyn Duncan (hamstring), LB Cedric Gray (shoulder)

Doubtful: N/A

Questionable: LB Jerome Baker (NIR/rest), QB Will Levis (shoulder), RB Tyjae Spears (hamstring), DT T’Vondre Sweat (hip), CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (ankle)

Detroit Lions

Out: OG Christian Mahogany (illness), DL Joshua Paschal (illness)

Doubtful: N/A

Questionable: N/A

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Titans’ new addition Jerome Baker happy in new home

Jerome Baker was acquired by the Titans from Seattle earlier this week, and he is happy to be in Tennessee.

Earlier this week, the Tennessee Titans made a pair of roster moves. They sent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Kansas City and Ernest Jones IV to Seattle. From the Chiefs, the Titans received a conditional 2025 fifth-round draft pick. From Seattle, the Titans acquired a 2025 fourth-round draft pick as well as linebacker Jerome Baker.

Baker, now in his seventh season, actually visited Tennessee during free agency, but the two sides could not reach a deal. Baker was at the facility for practice today, and although he did not suit up, he did talk to the media. He was asked about his visit earlier this year and why it took a trade to get him here.

https://twitter.com/TDavenport_NFL/status/1849540838973383087

“To be honest, I truly wanted to come here, I think the main thing was just the contract, you know, negotiation and all just didn’t work out. But as far as the people in the building, the coaches here, I truly enjoy it here. It just didn’t work out with the contract.”

Baker spent his first six seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where Titans linebacker’s coach Frank Bush worked with him during his rookie season. Baker admitted that Bush being here was a draw.

“I’m big on people pushing me to be the best person I can be. Not just on the field, but off the field. You know, especially having Butch as my linebacker coach, that was like a green flag for me.”

Through five games with Seattle, Baker recorded 37 tackles (21 solo), one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two passes defensed and 2.5 stuffs.

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Titans injury report: Calvin Ridley, L’Jarius Sneed remain out

The Tennessee Titans practiced Thursday in preparation for their Week 8 match-up with the Detroit Lions and see two starters sit out.

The Tennessee Titans were back at it Thursday, continuing their preparation for their Week 8 game with the Detroit Lions. 

CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad) and WR Calvin Ridley (foot) missed practice for a second day in a row due to injury, and little information has been given on their status. Newly acquired LB Jerome Baker was in the building Thursday but was given the day off. 

The biggest news on the day centered on LB Kenneth Murray (shoulder) and DT T’Vondre Sweat (hip). Both players were full participants on Wednesday, but limited in the Thursday session. 

DT Jeffery Simmons, DT Keondre Coburn, and RB Julius Chestnut returned as full participants.

The Titans’ Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad), OT Jaelyn Duncan (hamstring), WR Calvin Ridley (foot), LB Jerome Baker (NIR/rest)

Limited participants: QB Will Levis (shoulder), RB Tyjae Spears (hamstring), LB Kenneth Murray (shoulder), DT T’Vondre Sweat (hip) 

Full participant: LB Cedric Gray (shoulder),  Keondre Coburn (knee), RB Julius Chestnut (calf), Jeffery Simmons (NIR/rest)

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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