There’s something about the play of LA Rams Ernest Jones…

He was every bit as physical as the brochure

The LA Rams needed an inside linebacker who could lay the smackdown on offensive players. At least, that was the need. Even as the fans wring their hands over the anticipation over veteran ILB Bobby Wagner, the defense has plenty of physicality in Jones. How so?

In just 440 defensive snaps as a rookie, he delivered 61 tackles, one quarterback sack, one tackle for a loss, three quarterback hits, four passes deflected, and two interceptions. And he plays inside linebacker, not safety or cornerback. In two playoff games, he picked up right where he left off in the regular season, turning 79 defensive snaps into nine tackles, two tackles for a loss, one quarterback sack, three quarterback hits, and one pass deflection.

Jones can defend the run and the pass

Unlike other players who played the position for the Rams recently, Jones brings the ability to manhandle running backs to the ground but surrenders nothing in terms of pass coverage and defense. He was in the right position, focused on the right player, and making plays on the football like a seasoned veteran. He is a solid tactician on the football field. Just check out the way he trails the receiver and makes the interception in the video below. That was his first NFL start, by the way.

And he’s still early in his development. What we witnessed in 2021 will likely be the worst NFL statistical season of his future career, and it was everything that fans wanted it to be.

So many seem to focus too heavily upon a singular player and cast away all other viable options in the process. The LA Rams have a need for excellent inside linebacker play. But Ernest Jones’s play in the 2021 NFL season proves that he is no consolation prize, nor should he be a starter in 2022 simply by participating. He’s earned his shot in 2022 because he played well enough to win in the NFC and NFL Championship Games.