‘Captain’ Ernest Jones IV receives overwhelming support

The Seattle Seahawks didn’t just beat the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night, they were overpowered, and Ernest Jones IV was at the heart of it all. In a 41-6 NFC Divisional Round rout at Lumen Field, Jones delivered the kind of performance that defines playoff football and cements his reputation as a leader.

During the postgame press conference, veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence summed up Jones importance to the team with emphatic approval.

“He’s our captain. He keeps us together and makes sure we’re all in the right place. He’s a badass and gets the ball for us, so shout out to the EJ man, let’s keep it going,” Lawrence said.

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Lawrence’s comments came after a night where Jones seemed to be all over the place. The second-team All-Pro linebacker forced two big turnovers, stripping tight end Jake Tonges early in the first quarter and later interception Brock Purdy in the third. Both games dashed any hopes of a return to San Francisco and reinforced Jones’ role as the tone-setter in the middle of Seattle’s defense.

Ernest Jones rejects Purdy!

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Tonges’ forced fumble came after the 49ers had already reeled from a disastrous start that included Rashid Shahid’s kickoff return touchdown and traffic on the slopes. Jones’ tape, recovered by Julian Love, set up Sam Darnold’s touchdown pass to Jackson Smith-Njigba, extending Seattle’s lead to 17-0 and effectively breaking the game open.

Later, with Seattle firmly in control, Jones struck again. His interception of Purdy in the third quarter served as the death knell, which led to another touchdown by Kenneth Walker III and stretching the margin to 34-6. San Francisco has made just three field goals in the last two meetings with Seattle, a testament to how stifling the Seahawks’ defense has become.

Jones’ impact went beyond the box score. He was the organizer, enforcer and emotional engine of a unit that held the 49ers scoreless in the second half and repeatedly forced them into desperate situations on fourth down.

As Seattle now prepares to host the NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field, a place that has historically sent the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, Jones’ leadership looms large. If the Seahawks are to complete this postseason run, it will likely be with their captain continuing to set the standard in the biggest moments.