Rams ILB Ernest Jones has the makings of a Pro Bowl season in 2024

When undrafted LA Rams inside linebacker Cory Littleton earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018 in his third NFL season, he put up 125 tackles, 4.0 quarterback sacks, three interceptions that included one pick six, and allowed just 73.4 percent of the passes thrown to their intended target to find their mark. The following year, he had 134 tackles, 3.5 quarterback sacks, and two interceptions, while allowing just 71.8 percent of the passes targeting his receiver to find their intended marks. He earned no accolades or honors for that year.

In 2023, starting Inside linebacker Ernest Jones put up 145 tackles, lowered the boom on opposing quarterbacks for 4.5 QB sacks, and while he did not snatch any interceptions out of the air, he did hold the lid on passes targeting his receiver to just a 70.8 percent completion rate. And despite all of that, nary a peep about Pro Bow or All Pro honors.

And in all honesty, that a bit confusing. You see, we left out one rather important fact about Ernest Jones' 2023 season. He put up those Pro Bowl worthy numbers in just 15 games. Littleton played 16 tames to achieve his totals. And yet, Ernest Jones had more tackles, more quarterback sacks, and forced opposing offenses to settle for lower completion rates.

It's all rather confusing.

So how can Jones, having put up Pro Bowl numbers in 2023 without so much as a peep about earning Pro Bowl honors, possibly have a chance at recognition in 2024? Do it again, only better.

Shula's defense will run through Ernest Jones in 2024

It's no coincidence that LA Rams new Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula has already placed the yolk on fourth-year inside linebacker Ernest Jones, his contract year with the team. After all, it';s almost impossible to deny that the performance of the defense this season will rely heavily upon the leadership and production of the Rams overlooked and underestimated Ernest Jones.

Jones knows what's ahead, and accepts the challenge of 2024 as a true competitor. It was this same stoic 'we got this,' attitude that he exhibited one year ago, when the defense seemed to be drafted from the Island of Misfit Toys. He was right then. He is right now:

But isn't that a bit of gamble for the team, and the player? After all, a player has that extra motivation in every game and on every play. Knowing that a future contract hangs in the balance, it's the type of carrot that often lures career-high performances out of player. So what do the Rams intend for Ernest Jones?

They are going to ride the wave of financial 'do or die' incentives to compel the best out of Jones in the final season of his contract. But to raise the bar of his performance, the team must elevate the bar of his role and expectations of him.

And that is exactly what this defense intends on doing.

From a positional perspective, Shula has to rely upon Ernest Jones to be the field general on the football field. But even from a production standpoint, Jones is now the heart and soul of this defense. He is the guy who ensures that everyone knows their assignments. He is the motivational speaker in the huddle. And if the team needs a huge play on the football field, all eyes will turn to Ernest Jones to make it happen.

We cited 3 reasons why ILB Ernest Jones could earn his first Pro Bowl honors in 2023, and those reasons are still as valid now. By all accounts, he put up Pro Bowl numbers in 2023, but simply did not get the national media attention that seems to be the prerequisite for accolades and NFL awards.

It's not prestidigitation. There are no smoke and mirrors. This young defense must simply do what defenses have done for many years: Make tackles, stuff the run, breakup passes, sack the quarterback, and create turnovers. So there is no mystery about the goals for 2024.

But there is uncertainty. Uncertainty that is not shared by defensive signal-caller Ernest Jones. From his perspective, the Rams defense will be just fine in 2024.

Thanks for reading.