To be Ernest. . . while the Rams seemed to have figured out its secondary, there is another position that should be tinkered with.
Specifically, the inside linebacker position has a young bull in the stable that can be an immediate impact. In the third round of the 2021 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Ernest Jones from South Carolina.
Given the next two opponents, Lions and Texans, the Rams should provide more opportunities for its young players. If the Rams have some deficiencies in a position group, then younger players should be given an opportunity to see if they can be the answer to these deficiencies. Below are the 2020 and 2021 coverage statistics from the Rams inside linebackers.
| Targets | Completions | Completion Percentage | Total Yards | |
| 2021 | 25 | 21 | 84.0% | 211 |
| 2020 | 28 | 23 | 82.1% | 199 |
Troy Reeder
| Targets | Completions | Completion Percentage | Total Yards | |
| 2021 | 15 | 10 | 66.7 % | 95 |
| 2020 | 39 | 30 | 76.9% | 230 |
Ernest Jones
| Targets | Completions | Completion Percentage | Total Yards | |
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | 80% | 46 |
If we are being earnest, then 4/5 completions is not ideal. However, that is not enough repetitions for any defensive player to get in a groove. At South Carolina, Jones displayed true inside linebacker intangibles. Also, during the pre-season, Jones did not play like a rookie.
During Jones’ first pre-season start, Morris’s headset was not working, and Jones was calling plays without any assistance. Clearly, Jones has confidence in his knowledge and ability. Without a doubt, in the next two weeks, if Jones is given more playing time, then he can elevate the Los Angeles Rams defense—just in time for a tough three-game stretch against the Titans, 49ers, and Packers.
Los Angeles Rams Linebacker Ernest Jones. Photo Credit: Brevin Townsell | LA Rams