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.
No play sums up the #Seahawks run defense problems better than James Cook’s final touchdown. Look at the push the interior o-line gets out of 12 personnel grouping… and then the finish by Cook at the goal line de-helmeting Ernest Jones. pic.twitter.com/1Aj6sX9Ngb
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) October 28, 2024
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.
