8 optimistic observations from LA Rams opening loss

Optimistic Observation VII: Ernest Jones stepping up

One of the concerns with the LA Rams signing ILB Bobby Wagner centered on how the team would manage to develop the quite promising NFL career of young ILB Ernest Jones. Well, it’s just one game, but the initial reports are in. Jones is doing just fine:

Jones is going to be a force to be reckoned with, and that is not some pro-Rams hyperbole. That is the educated opinion and assessment of multiple NFL coaches and analysts.  And now, he is playing alongside one of the best inside linebackers to play the game.

As good as Bobby Wagner was in the opener (he was), the Rams’ other inside linebacker stayed with him, step for step, tackle for tackle. By the end of the game, both Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones had seven tackles apiece. Wagner also recorded a quarterback sack.

But Bobby Wagner played 59 defensive snaps. Ernest Jones played far fewer, ending the game with just 39 defensive snaps. You could say that Jones was more efficient in the Rams’ defense.

That is exactly what the Rams hoped might take place. Supercharge Jones’ development alongside Wagner, and in the process catapult his development to the next level.  It appears to be kicking in already, which means that come time for an NFL Playoff run by the Rams, Jones should be peaking.