Seattle Seahawks sophomore guard Anthony Bradford defeated rookie blocker Christian Haynes in a position battle for the right guard job during a competition in training camp and the preseason. Fast forward two weeks into the 2024 campaign, and though the Seahawks are 2-0, Bradford’s form has left plenty to be desired.
Bradford was whistled for two penalties in Sunday’s Week 2 overtime victory over the New England Patriots. That brought his penalty total to five through two completed contests. No guard in the league has been penalized for more infractions.
Bradford struggled mightily in pass protection in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. Pro Football Focus credited the former LSU standout with allowing two pressures en route to a lackluster pass-blocking grade of 30.9. Bradford’s three penalties prevented his official pass-pro numbers from being even worse.
After evaluating Bradford’s latest two performances, it sounds like head coach Mike Macdonald is open to making a change at the position. “Christian (Haynes) probably deserved a few more reps,” Macdonald told local media on Monday.
It’s rare that a position battle is reopened after initially being settled, but Macdonald purposely noted that it remains “ongoing.” Wednesday’s practice could be very telling. Don’t be shocked if Haynes receives first-team reps, or at least splits them with Bradford. The Seahawks are legitimately considering making a lineup change here.