The Seattle Seahawks have continued to stick by sophomore offensive lineman Anthony Bradford at right guard despite his weekly struggles. Head coach Mike Macdonald pondered a change ahead of Week 3’s game versus the Miami Dolphins, re-opening the position to a training camp-like battle. Despite reevaluating the right guard spot, Bradford started his third straight contest.
Unsurprisingly, Bradford did not perform admirably. He posted season-low grades in pass protection (27.4), as a run blocker, (50.1), and overall score (37.5), according to Pro Football Focus. Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke with the media on Thursday ahead of Monday’s primetime showdown with the Detroit Lions.
Grubb explained why Bradford continues starting ahead of rookie guard Christian Haynes, despite being whistled for a position-high seven penalties this season.
“I think Anthony [Bradford] would tell you he didn’t have his best game,” Grubb told reporters. “He’s a young player that’s hopefully continuing to develop. We think he has a very good skill set. We’re trying to develop that.”
Grubb then shed light on why Haynes hasn’t dethroned Bradford as the team’s starting right guard.
“Technique and power,” Grubb responded when asked which parts of Haynes’ game need to improve. “Raw power at the guard position in the NFL is so critical. That’s why Anthony can withstand a lot of [power], his sheer size and what he can take inside.”
https://twitter.com/BradyHenderson/status/1839446156201591017
The Seahawks clearly don’t feel that Haynes is equipped to handle NFL-caliber power. The rookie blocker played 15 snaps against the New England Patriots in Week 2, earning a lackluster PFF pass-blocking grade of 18.3. Until Haynes shows improved power, Grubb and Macdonald will continue sticking with Bradford based on sheer size alone.
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