Tag: Anthony Bradford

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb explains why they’ve stuck with Anthony Bradford at RG

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb explains why they’ve stuck with Anthony Bradford at RG

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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Seahawks continue dealing with uncertainty at RG

Seahawks continue dealing with uncertainty at RG

The Seattle Seahawks went into last week’s practice sessions holding another open competition at right guard between sophomore Anthony Bradford and rookie Christian Haynes. Bradford had won the job in training camp, but has put forth lackluster performances throughout the early portion of the regular season. He was awarded another opportunity in Sunday’s Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins, but struggled mightily.

Bradford played all 64 offensive snaps as the Seahawks even declined an opportunity to rotate him by series with Haynes, a strategy we’ve seen other offensive lines employ, to inconsistent results. Bradford arguably delivered his worst performance of the campaign. He had season-low grades in protection (27.4), as a run blocker, (50.1), and overall score (37.5), according to Pro Football Focus.

Bradford allowed his first two sacks of the season. He struggled to block the likes of Calais Campbell and Zach Sieler, who each had a sack (so did Da’Shawn Hand). Bradford allowed a season-high six pressures. He was also whistled for two penalties, bringing his overall infractions count to a position-high seven.

Perhaps the more disappointing aspect of all this is that the Seahawks settled on Bradford after evaluating him and Haynes throughout the week of practice. There’s no reason to doubt Macdonald’s evaluation. Haynes is a rookie blocker. He played 15 snaps against the New England Patriots in Week 2 and struggled, earning a PFF pass-blocking grade of 18.3.

The unfortunate reality is the Seahawks may not possess a straightforward answer to the struggles at right guard. Bradford continues to deliver below-average results, and Haynes isn’t yet fully acclimated to the challenges of professional football. It could be a season-long weakness for the Seahawks offense.

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Could Christian Haynes replace Anthony Bradford at RG for Seahawks?

Could Christian Haynes replace Anthony Bradford at RG for Seahawks?

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.

3 Seahawks who need to be better against Patriots in Week 2

3 Seahawks who need to be better against Patriots in Week 2

The Seattle Seahawks claimed victory in Week 1 over the Denver Broncos. Head coach Mike Macdonald is thrilled to begin his era with a win, but the 26-20 scoreline over a rookie quarterback at Lumen Field was arguably closer than many anticipated. The Seahawks should be road favorites against the New England Patriots in Week 2.

Several of Seattle’s high-end talents were quiet in Sunday’s Week 1 victory. Other starters were below-average performers. We’ve identified three Seahawks players who must showcase improvement in Week 2.

DK Metcalf

No. 1 wide receiver DK Metcalf was limited to three receptions for 29 yards on four targets. Metcalf was only held under 30 receiving yards once in 2023, so this wasn’t the ideal start for Seattle’s dominant wideout in Ryan Grubb’s offense. Starting quarterback Geno Smith must make it a priority to get his big-time playmaker more involved this weekend.

Anthony Bradford

Sophomore right guard Anthony Bradford is the biggest question mark on an offensive line littered with them. The former LSU standout edged out rookie blocker Christian Haynes for the starting gig during training camp and the preseason.

Bradford struggled mightily against the Broncos. He was whistled for three penalties and allowed two pressures en route to a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 30.9. Similar results will eventually get him replaced in the lineup by Haynes.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

It wasn’t just Metcalf that was barely involved in the passing game. Sophomore wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba recorded just two receptions on two targets for 19 receiving yards. Grubb placed more emphasis on establishing the run game, and the receivers suffered as a result.

Smith-Njigba’s 19 yards would have been his fifth-lowest total during his rookie campaign, and his two targets would’ve tied his lowest rookie-season output. It was veteran Tyler Lockett that led the Seahawks in targets, catches, and yards. Smith-Njigba should be more involved versus the Patriots.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers update on RG position battle

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers update on RG position battle

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald spoke with the media following the conclusion of Thursday’s practice. Following roster cut-down day and the construction of the initial practice squad, the Seahawks are in full regular-season preparation mode. So naturally, Macdonald faced questions about the right guard position battle, one that’s entangled sophomore blocker Anthony Bradford with rookie guard Christian Haynes all training camp and preseason long.

With both camp and the preseason now in the rearview mirror, perhaps Macdonald is ready to reveal a starter. Apparently not. Macdonald prefers to keep that information private, believing it offers a competitive advantage over the Denver Broncos, his Week 1 opponent.

“We have a pretty good feel for how we’re going to line up this week,” Macdonald said in response to the right guard question. “At this point, we’ll keep it under wraps and let [Denver] figure it out the first snap of the [Week 1] game,” Macdonald concluded.

Bradford played well throughout the preseason. The former LSU standout earned a run blocking grade of 74.2 from Pro Football Focus, and a pass protection score of 68.6 Bradford didn’t allow any sacks, nor was he whistled for any penalties. Hopefully that means he’s ready to display growth this year after struggling last season as a rookie.

It’s worth acknowledging Bradford received the start at right guard in the Week 3 preseason finale victory over the Cleveland Browns. Macdonald played his starters in that final exhibition game. Haynes worked with the second-team unit. That offered a strong indication that Bradford was close to clinching the job. Macdonald is unwilling to reveal the starter, but actions speak louder than words.

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Did Christian Haynes preseason penalty hurt his chances of winning starting job?

Did Christian Haynes preseason penalty hurt his chances of winning starting job?

The Seattle Seahawks still haven’t announced a decision regarding their starting right guard despite being approximately 72 hours removed from their preseason finale victory over the Cleveland Browns. Sophomore guard Anthony Bradford and rookie blocker Christian Haynes have been entangled in that position battle all training camp long. Several developments on Saturday may have indicated that Bradford remains the leader in the clubhouse.

Head coach Mike Macdonald decided to play his starters in the final exhibition game. That included veteran offensive linemen like Laken Tomlinson at left guard and George Fant at right tackle. Bradford was the starting right guard, and Haynes worked with the second-team unit. That was a strong indication that Bradford is close to winning the job.

Haynes unfortunately made a big-time mistake when he received his opportunity with the second-string offensive line. Backup quarterback Sam Howell connected with Cody White for an explosive 73-yard touchdown, but a flag was thrown on the play. Haynes was penalized for holding, wiping out the highlight reel-worthy score.

Penalties happen and Macdonald’s coaching staff will focus on the learning opportunity, but there’s no denying every rep counts when partaking in a position battle. Seattle’s starting offensive line looked great with Geno Smith completing 4-of-5 passing attempts for 62 yards and one touchdown. Smith wasn’t sacked, nor was he under constant pressure.

That qualified as a victory for Bradford. Meanwhile Haynes eventually entered the contest and made an error that hamstrung the offense. It was an outstanding preseason for Seattle’s third-round rookie lineman from UConn, but the margin for error going into Saturday was non-existent. The battle between Bradford and Haynes wasn’t decided by one play, but it could have confirmed Seattle’s thinking that their experienced sophomore is a better fit.

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Seahawks shuffle OL with several starters on rest days

Seahawks shuffle OL with several starters on rest days

The Seattle Seahawks are still working through multiple scenarios across their offensive line heading into Saturday evening’s preseason finale with the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Mike Macdonald shuffled things up front at Thursday’s practice due to different circumstances.

In the most positive development, center Connor Williams was more involved than ever before. Williams played the majority of snaps during the scrimmage, according to Gregg Bell. That represented a new trend, after he was replaced midway through Monday’s and Tuesday’s session.

It’s clear that Macdonald is ramping up Williams’ workload with Week 1 versus the Denver Broncos on the horizon. Williams is unlikely to play versus the Browns in the exhibition finale this weekend, but he’s getting ready for regular-season action.

Elsewhere, right tackle George Fant and left tackle Laken Tomlinson presumably received veteran rest days. Their absences meant Christian Haynes was the starting left guard, and Stone Forsythe was the right tackle, per Brady Henderson. Haynes is still in a position battle with Anthony Bradford at right guard, but his services were required to fill-in on the left for Tomlinson.

The Seahawks continue to display faith in Haynes’ ability to play both left and right guard. Switching sides on a daily basis hasn’t prevented him from pushing Bradford for the right-sided starting gig. A decision on the starting right guard is expected to be announced prior to Week 1.

Forsythe is an interesting case. He’s not guaranteed a 53-man roster spot, though Abe Lucas‘ injury status may rescue his chances given that he’s currently working as the second-string right tackle behind Fant. With Lucas remaining sidelined at this point, Forsythe is seeing an increase in work given Fant’s advancing age.

 

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers update on the RG position battle

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers update on the RG position battle

The Seattle Seahawks’ starting offensive line for Week 1 is nearly settled. Connor Williams returned to practice on Monday, and indications are that George Fant will begin the season starting in place of the injured Abe Lucas at right tackle. The bigger remaining question is who will be named the starting right guard.

Rookie third-round selection Christian Haynes and sophomore guard Anthony Bradford have been entrenched in a position battle all summer long. Both Haynes and Bradford have taken turns with the first-team offense throughout training camp and the preseason. The battle is going right down to the wire with Seattle’s third and final preseason game scheduled for Saturday evening with the Cleveland Browns.

“They look good,” Macdonald said when asked about Bradford and Haynes following Monday’s practice. “They have a great battle going. I was pleased with the crew that started the game. AB has been a pro about it,” Macdonald added when asked about Bradford not starting a recent joint practice with the Titans. “I commend his attitude. He stacked a few good practices and reps throughout the [preseason] game [versus the Titans]. We’re still in it right now. The competition is yet to be settled.”

Both Bradford (RG) and Haynes (LG) started the Week 2 preseason game versus the Titans. Bradford began Monday’s practice as the starting right guard, according to Gregg Bell. In true rotational fashion, Haynes replaced him with the first-team offense when the team began 11-on-11 scrimmaging.

The Seahawks have a small handful of training camp practices remaining. Saturday’s exhibition finale versus the Browns could help Macdonald and offensive line coach Scott Huff make a determination. With roster cuts looming next Tuesday, the Seahawks remain undecided on whether Bradford or Haynes will be their starting right guard.

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Is Seahawks rookie Christian Haynes winning the RG job?

Is Seahawks rookie Christian Haynes winning the RG job?

Seattle Seahawks rookie offensive linemen spent all of Thursday’s joint session with the Tennessee Titans as the starting right guard. That’s extremely notable given that Haynes has been in a position battle with sophomore blocker Anthony Bradford for the job. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed after practice that the competition remains ongoing and nothing has been decided.

Bradford is listed as the starting right guard on the unofficial depth chart. He seemingly entered training camp with the upper hand after playing 659 snaps at the position last season. Haynes’ latest involvement with the first-team offense hints that he’s beginning to close the gap, and could soon overtake Bradford altogether.

Haynes played 38 snaps at right guard in last weekend’s preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The third-round selection was stellar, earning an overall grade of 65.2 from Pro Football Focus. Haynes was credited with allowing just one pressure in pass protection, but he didn’t give up any sacks, nor was he whistled for a single penalty.

Bradford earned 24 snaps at right guard against the Chargers. He was steady, not allowing any pressures, sacks, or quarterback hits. PFF’s charting found Haynes to be slightly more effective though, with Bradford earning an overall grade of 64.4 for his brief showing.

The interior of Seattle’s offensive line is beginning to come together after general manager John Schneider signed Connor Williams to be the starting center. The right guard spot is now the lone remaining gig up for grabs. Haynes’ latest performances indicate he could replace Bradford atop the depth chart before September marks its arrival.

Seahawks rookie G Christian Haynes shines in preseason debut

Seahawks rookie G Christian Haynes shines in preseason debut

Seattle Seahawks rookie offensive guard Christian Haynes played a sizable role in Saturday’s 16-3 preseason Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The former UConn standout was the Seahawks’ fourth-most snapped offensive lineman, totaling 41 snaps, which accounted for 50% of all Seahawks offensive plays. Haynes put forth an outstanding performance, passing his first in-game test with flying colors.

Haynes played both left and right guard, displaying the type of positional versatility that Seattle’s coaching staff covets. Haynes routinely exploded off the ball and executed his assignments. The Seahawks were dominant on the ground thanks to terrific performances by reserve offensive linemen that helped pave the way for 156 rushing yards.

Pro Football Focus assigned Haynes a stellar pass protection grade of 66.1. He was credited with allowing just one pressure and zero quarterback hits or sacks. Haynes played with terrific discipline as he was not whistled for a single penalty. His run blocking grade was an above average 62.8.

Entering Saturday, Haynes had received some opportunities as the starting right guard with the first-team offense at training camp. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald should be even more intrigued to see Haynes run with the ones at practice this week. The third-round rookie appears capable of maximizing his opportunities.

With the Seahawks traveling to Nashville for joint practices with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday and Thursday, Haynes could be provided an opportunity. He should test his readiness versus Titans defensive linemen such as Jeffery Simmons and fellow rookie T’Vondre Sweat. If Haynes holds his own, he could truly start pushing Anthony Bradford for the starting right guard job.