Ernest Jones IV reveals tough week before Seahawks’ crushing divisional round win against the 49ers: “I was down for two days"

The Seattle Seahawks’ 41-6 crushing of the San Francisco 49ers was one of the most lopsided playoff wins of the weekend, but for linebacker Ernest Jones IV, the night carried extra weight beyond the scoreline. While fans focused on Seattle’s defensive dominance, Jones revealed later that he had been dealing with illness in the days leading up to the game.Jones missed two days of practice earlier in the week, leaving some uncertainty about his availability. By game day, though, he felt ready to go. Reflecting on that stretch, he explained how football helped him reset. “I was down there for two days, and once football came around, I got a little light, so, but I’m good now,” he said via reporter Greg Bell’s post on X.Once on the field, there was no sign of hesitation. Seattle’s defense smothered the 49ers from the opening drive, holding them scoreless through the end zone and continuing a trend that had already started the previous week. San Francisco finished with just nine total points across two playoff games against Seattle, a stunning outcome for a team that entered January with Super Bowl expectations.After the win, Jones made it clear that the result didn’t surprise him or the rest of the defense. From his perspective, the performance was simply the Seahawks playing up to their own standard. “No, I think with us, we come out and play the style of ball that we’re capable of, execute like we are, and we can do this often,” he said.That confidence reflects the tone Seattle’s defense has carried throughout the postseason. The unit played fast, physical and disciplined, never allowing the 49ers to build momentum. Brock Purdy was under constant pressure, and San Francisco struggled to sustain drives at any point. Jones also pointed to leadership as a major factor behind the team’s surge, offering high praise for head coach Mike Macdonald and the culture he has built. “Mike is the reason why we are here,” he said.The Seahawks jumped out early and never looked back, turning what many expected to be a tight divisional matchup into a statement win. For Jones, the night served as proof that preparation and belief can overcome setbacks, even when the week leading up to kickoff is far from ideal. As Seattle moves closer to the Super Bowl, the defense continues to look like its backbone.