Ernest Jones IV reacts to a pick-6 against the Vikings

Seattle Seahawks Linebacker Ernest Jones IV had one of the best games of his career, helping the Seahawks beat the Minnesota Vikings 26-0 on Sunday at Lumen Field. It was Seattle’s first shutout since Week 3 of the 2015 seasonthe fewest yards allowed in a game since that same year, and their first shutout of Minnesota since that 2015 game.

Jones, who turned 26 last week, finished the game with 12 turnovers and two interceptions, contributing to a Seahawks defense that totaled five sacks, four interceptions and one fumble recovery. The Vikings, starting rookie quarterback Max Brosmer in his first NFL start, struggled offensively, gaining just 162 yards and four turnovers, including four interceptions by Brosmer. Seattle’s defense forced two total fumbles, with DeMarcus Lawrence stripping Aaron Jones on one occasion.

With Minnesota threatening to score on 4th-and-1 from the Seahawks’ 4-yard line, Brossmer got under pressure from Lawrence and threw the ball. Jones intercepted the throw and sprinted 84 yards for a touchdowngiving Seattle a 10-0 lead and swinging in their favor.

“I saw DeMarcus holding it, getting ready to take it to the ground, and when you get these interceptions, everything slows down,” Jones he said of Brosmer at the show (h/t Gregg Bell of The News Tribune). “I’m thinking, ‘There’s no way he’s going to throw this.’ He let it go. Then I catch him and say: ‘There is no one in front of me!’ So I immediately started running.’ I look up at the video board and say, ‘Damn, somebody’s got me.’ It was Rick (Woonney). Rick was trying to beat me to the end zone. That was my first defensive touchdown. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the end zone. So it’s great.”

Ernest Jones on his 85-yard TD return after Vikings rookie Max Brosmer threw right at him #Seahawks‘ escaped: “There’s no way they’re going to throw this away.”

He said he saw someone grab him from behind on the video board – then realized it was Rick Woolen pic.tvitter.com/MjvhPMaaVJ

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 1, 2025

So far this season, Jones has 83 tackles, 43 solo, and leads the team with five interceptions in 10 games. After missing two of three games with a knee injury suffered in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders, Jones returned to form against the Vikings.

This year has been difficult, both emotionally and personally, as she deals with her father’s death from Ewing’s sarcoma in July, while building routine and stability for her 17-month-old son at home in Seattle.

A former third-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Jones has taken ownership of the middle of the Seahawks defense, giving the middle linebacker a new identity in just his second year with the team.

The win in Week 13 improved Seattle’s record to 9-3, moving them into a tie for first place in the NFC West with the Los Angeles Rams, while Minnesota fell to 4-8 with its fourth straight loss.

Next week, the Seahawks will travel to face the Atlanta Falcons.