Tag: Christian Haynes

Sataoa Laumea to start at guard for the Seahawks in Week 13

Sataoa Laumea to start at guard for the Seahawks in Week 13

The Seattle Seahawks have made a bit of a surprising roster move. On Friday, head coach Mike Macdonald announced the team was going to have fourth round rookie Sataoa Laumea start at right guard in place of the injured Anthony Bradford.

Bradford was placed on injured reserve after exiting Seattle’s Week 12 game against the Arizona Cardinals with an ankle injury. This of course left an opening for a battle between the pair of rookies, Christian Haynes and Sataoa Laumea. A competition was held between the two and clearly Laumea had won.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft, Laumea was a four-year starter for the Utah Utes, and comes from a large family of 10 children.

Laumea’s victory in the starting guard competition comes as a bit of an upset. Christian Haynes had been the primary backup behind Bradford, even rotating at times during games. As for Laumea, not only will this be the first start of his career, it will literally be the first time he takes the field in a regular season NFL game. For every week this year, Laumea had been made inactive. Now, he starts.

While this is a good sign that the Seahawks possibly found a steal in the later rounds, it does bring up some concern about Haynes, who was arguably the top guard prospect in the draft. Haynes could not beat out Bradford for a starting role (who has been mostly awful this year) and now he can’t beat out his fellow rookie? Haynes’ development will surely be something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Seahawks place G Anthony Bradford on Injured Reserve

Seahawks place G Anthony Bradford on Injured Reserve

The Seattle Seahawks have made a litany of roster moves on Wednesday morning. The biggest of course concerning the health of starting right guard Anthony Bradford. During the 16-6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12, Seattle’s already struggling offensive line took another hit health wise. Bradford exited the game early with an ankle injury. During the postgame press conference, head coach Mike Macdonald alluded to Bradford’s injury being serious enough to cost him some time.

Unfortunately, Macdonald’s words proved true. On Wednesday, the Seahawks placed Bradford on injured reserve. He will now miss the next four games at minimum. Bradford has struggled mightily this year, especially in the first half of the season. But he has been a starter. The presumed replacement is rookie Christian Haynes, who was arguably the top guard prospect in the 2024 NFL draft. However, Macdonald has alluded that fellow rookie Sataoa Laumea (a four-year starter at Utah) could be in the mix for the starting role.

Filling the open roster spot is linebacker Patrick O’Connell, who was signed from the practice squad. O’Connell has played in the last two games, as well as the Week 3 win over the Miami Dolphins.

Additional roster moves include top pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu and right tackle Stone Forsythe being designated to return from practice. Nwosu missed the first four games of the season with an MCL injury, and shortly left in his return to action in Week 5 to return to the injured reserve list with a thigh injury. Nwosu is not expected to be ready for Week 13 against the New York Jets.

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Could the Seahawks make a surprising decision at RG?

Could the Seahawks make a surprising decision at RG?

Seattle Seahawks starting right guard Anthony Bradford suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He was helped to the sidelines before being carted into the locker room, making him unlikely to play versus the New York Jets in Week 13. The expectation would be that rookie second-string guard Christian Haynes would start in his place. Not so fast, says head coach Mike Macdonald.

The Seahawks plan to evaluate fellow rookie blocker Sataoa Laumea, Macdonald said on Tuesday. Laumea will compete with Haynes for the vacant right guard position. It indicates the Seahawks aren’t overly pleased with Haynes.

Haynes had previously received opportunities to compete with Bradford for the starting gig, but the rookie guard eventually lost ground to the second-year pro. Pro Football Focus credits Haynes with allowing six pressures and one sack in 113 pass-blocking snaps. His season-long overall grade currently sits at a lackluster 50.4.

Laumea has not played a single snap for the Seahawks this season. He featured regularly in the preseason, playing admirably. The sixth-round selection out of Utah allowed just one pressure and zero sacks.

Laumea was drafted three rounds (No. 180) after Haynes (No. 81). Bradford hasn’t played particularly well this season, so Haynes’ initial failure to dethrone him at right guard spoke volumes. With Laumea earning consideration to enter the lineup, the Seahawks are making their third-round blocker earn every rep.

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Should the Seahawks claim G Nate Davis off waivers?

Should the Seahawks claim G Nate Davis off waivers?

The right guard position has been a massive weakness for the Seattle Seahawks’ offense this season. Starting blocker Anthony Bradford has struggled all season long. Pro Football Focus has credited Bradford with allowing five sacks and being whistled for nine penalties. He unfortunately leads all guards in both categories.

Despite his lackluster showings, rookie Christian Haynes has been unable to permanently dethrone him. Haynes has received opportunities to rotate into the lineup, but the first-year guard hasn’t provided the offense with an upgrade. The former UConn standout has earned an overall grade of 48.0 from PFF for his sporadic performances.

A potential solution hit the waiver wire on Wednesday morning. The Chicago Bears released Nate Davis from his contract. The move arrives halfway into a disastrous three-year, $30 million contract signed in free agency last offseason.

The Bears ended up paying Davis more than $20.4 million for 13 starts. Davis was routinely injured throughout his tenure with the Bears. His effort level was routinely questioned by the coaching staff and fan base.

Davis has been benched and even a healthy scratch after a lackluster start to his campaign. The veteran Davis, a third-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, must clear waivers before reaching free agency. Davis’ high-price contract makes him a near guarantee to pass through waivers, but Seahawks GM John Schneider could consider claiming him.

If Davis clears, the Seahawks would be free to negotiate a brand-new contract with his representation. Bringing in Davis would be a risk given his reputation in Chicago. Given their weekly problem at right guard, would Seattle consider rolling the dice? Time will reveal.

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Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to protect starting quarterback Geno Smith this season. Smith has been pressured on 153 of his dropbacks, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser. That means the offensive line is leaking protection on 40% of their starting quarterback’s dropbacks.

The majority of those pressures have arrived from the right side of the offensive line. Pro Football Focus credits right guard Anthony Bradford with allowing 24 pressures, second-worst (112) among 113 qualifying guards. Bradford has also been whistled for a position-high nine penalties, and he’s allowed five sacks, ranking 110th out of 113.

The right tackle position has also struggled. Injuries have forced the Seahawks to start three different right tackles this year. George Fant, Stone Forsythe, and Mike Jerrell have all started for Mike Macdonald’s lackluster offensive line. Below-average results have been delivered.

The Seahawks have a 53% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) this season, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross has been far-and-away the team’s best blocker in pass protection. Cross is Seattle’s only offensive lineman that cracks ESPN’s leaderboard, posting an elite individual PBWR of 92%.

The Seahawks have allowed a sixth-worst 28 sacks this season. Smith has been outstanding when operating from a clean pocket, posting a passer rating of 108.6 in such rare scenarios, per PFF. When under pressure, that rating plummets to 49.5.

The offensive line remains a work in progress. Cross is outstanding, but the overall unit, particularly the right side, desperately needs improving. Hopefully Abe Lucas returns against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 and helps deliver clean pockets for Smith with more consistency.

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Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to effectively run the football this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the offense is currently producing a 28th-ranked 91.2 rushing yards per game. As a unit, they are averaging a disappointing 4.1 yards per carry. Starting running back Kenneth Walker III has enjoyed just one 100-yard rushing showing this year, and it occurred way back in Week 1.

A struggling offensive line is largely to blame for the lackluster results. Head coach Mike Macdonald has rotated through an abundance of blockers at right guard and right tackle in search of the right combination, to no avail. Opposing defenders have routinely made plays in the backfield.

The Seahawks currently have the fourth-worst run-block-win-rate (RBWR) in the league at 67%, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle doesn’t have a single offensive lineman on ESPN’s RBWR leaderboard.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has also struggled to commit to sticking with the struggling ground game. Despite owning a competitive record of 4-5, the Seahawks rank 29th in rushing attempts with just 201. Oddly enough, Seattle’s 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for sixth-most in the league.

The Seahawks have gone into pass-happy shells due to the nonexistent ground attack. Grubb’s rushing offense is scoring touchdowns despite few attempts and inconsistent results. The Seahawks require improved ground-game efficiency when they return from the Week 10 bye.

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Seahawks to stick with Anthony Bradford at RG in Week 9

Seahawks to stick with Anthony Bradford at RG in Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to establish a starting right guard on the offensive line this year. Sophomore blocker Anthony Bradford won a training camp competition, but has routinely delivered lackluster performances on Sundays. Rookie guard Christian Haynes has received opportunities on occasion as a result, but he hasn’t fared much better.

The Seahawks have begun rotating Bradford and Haynes in-game. In a Week 8 blowout defeat to the Buffalo Bills, Bradford earned the majority of snaps, playing 40 of the available 51 offensive snaps. Haynes earned the remaining 11.

Haynes struggled mightily against a hard-nosed Bills defensive line. Haynes was whistled for a penalty and allowed one pressure via just eight pass-blocking snaps, earning a season-worst pass-pro grade of 12.0 from Pro Football Focus. Unsurprisingly, the Seahawks are rolling with Bradford in Sunday’s Week 9 NFC West showdown versus the Los Angeles Rams.

Bradford wasn’t called for a penalty for a fifth consecutive game after being whistled for a league-high seven infractions in Seattle’s opening three contests. Pro Football Focus assigned him an overall offensive grade of 65.3, his second-best score of the season. Another good performance versus the Rams in a big-time game for Seattle would help Bradford create more distance between Haynes and himself.

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3 RGs Seahawks should consider trading for before NFL trade deadline

3 RGs Seahawks should consider trading for before NFL trade deadline

The right guard position has been a constant thorn in the Seattle Seahawks’ backside. Regular starter Anthony Bradford has routinely struggled, posting a pass-blocking grade of 46.9, according to Pro Football Focus. Bradford has also been whistled for a league-high seven penalties this season.

Bradford’s struggles led the Seahawks to rotate rookie guard Christian Haynes into the lineup during the Week 4 contest versus the Detroit Lions. Bradford handled 54 snaps while Haynes, who performed better, earned 36 snaps. The Seahawks may employ a similar strategy against the New York Giants in Week 5.

The NFL trade deadline is approximately one month away (November 4). The 3-1 Seahawks are legitimate contenders. General manager John Schneider should consider acquiring a right guard via trade. We’ve identified three potential options.

Daniel Brunskill, Tennessee Titans

Daniel Brunskill started at right guard for the Tennessee Titans last season. He put forth better results than what Bradford and Haynes are providing, being whistled for just one penalty all year long. Brunskill was credited with allowing just two sacks via 768 total snaps by Pro Football Focus, earning a stellar pass-blocking grade of 67.7.

Tennessee’s new coaching staff decided to bench Brunskill this campaign, inserting a bigger-bodied player (Dillon Radunz) into his spot in the starting lineup. Brunskill is slightly undersized, but he put together a solid season at right guard in 2023. He’s in a contract year and could be available for very cheap as the Titans are a rebuilding 1-3.

Wyatt Teller, Cleveland Browns

The struggling 1-3 Cleveland Browns recently placed veteran right guard Wyatt Teller on IR, but he’s eligible to be activated roughly one week prior to the trade deadline (October 27). Rookie guard Zak Zinter is starting in Teller’s place. The rebuilding Browns should consider giving the much younger Zinter an extended look.

Teller remains under contract through 2025, carrying manageable cap charges of $11.6 million and $14.4 million this campaign and next, according to OverTheCap. Teller’s contract is complicated, because it also contains a void year (2026). The proven veteran could land on the trading block if the Browns continue falling behind in the postseason race.

Cody Whitehair, Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to trade superstar wide receiver Davante Adams. This could incite general manager Tom Telesco to hold a fire sale at the trade deadline. The Raiders must stack as much draft capital as possible heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Whitehair has started for the Raiders this season, but they also possess a young duo at guard on the roster in Jackson Powers-Johnson and Dylan Parham. Powers-Johnson should soon permanently replace Whitehair at guard. The 2016 draftee would add experience to the Seahawks’ offensive line.

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Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb talks Jason Peters, RG competition

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb talks Jason Peters, RG competition

The Seattle Seahawks recently reunited with 42-year-old offensive tackle and 21-year pro Jason Peters by signing him to the practice squad. With Abe Lucas on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and no clear-cut timeline for his return in place, and George Fant on IR, Peters could eventually replace the struggling Stone Forsythe at right tackle.

The Seahawks are also facing ongoing questions at the right guard position. In the Week 4 defeat to the Detroit Lions, head coach Mike Macdonald and the offense made the decision to rotate Anthony Bradford and Christian Haynes, two players in competition with each other. Bradford has been whistled for a league-high seven penalties this season. Despite playing fewer reps, the general consensus was that Haynes outperformed his peer.

Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb discussed the addition of Peters, and the ongoing battle at right guard following Thursday’s practice.

“Anytime you have a Hall of Fame-caliber player, has done it at that level for many years, you’re bound to get a lot of experienced wisdom filtering through the room,” Grubb said about Peters. “It’s been awesome having him [Peters]. It’s a big help.”

“I thought they both had some really good points,” Grubb said about Bradford and Haynes when asked to assess their performances versus the Lions. “I thought there were a few points where both of them played their best football of the year. So I think the competitive spirit is helping them both out. I think we still have to brush up on some things at practice, they’re still showing up on tape. Christian did a better job not getting overwhelmed.”

The Seahawks will continue analyzing their offensive line against the New York Giants in Sunday’s Week 5 contest. The Giants have posted a third-highest 15 sacks this season. Pass rushers like Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and Dexter Lawrence could get the better of Seattle’s struggling offensive line.

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The results of Seahawks rotating Bradford, Haynes at RG on MNF

The results of Seahawks rotating Bradford, Haynes at RG on MNF

Seattle Seahawks starting right guard Anthony Bradford has struggled this season. The sophomore blocker entered Monday Night Football’s eventual defeat with the Detroit Lions having been whistled for a league-high seven penalties. Despite that, the Seahawks have stuck by Bradford, explaining that he’s more experienced and pro-ready to handle powerful assignments than rookie option Christian Haynes is.

But with Bradford’s struggles being an ongoing theme, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb decided to test a new theory against the Lions. Bradford and Haynes rotated snaps at right guard. Bradford earned the majority nod, playing 54 total snaps, accounting for 60% of all Seahawks offensive plays. Haynes played a sizable 36 snaps, making up the remaining 40% of the team’s available plays.

Pro Football Focus credited Bradford with allowing just one pressure against a relentless Lions defensive front. Starting quarterback Geno Smith was sacked on three occasions, but Bradford wasn’t assigned blame for any of them.

PFF slapped the former LSU standout with a stellar pass-blocking grade of 66.6, a season-low run-blocking score of 30.8, and an overall offensive grade of 44.7. He finally wasn’t whistled for a penalty for the first time this season.

Haynes allowed one pressure via his limited opportunities. The rookie blocker from UConn had a pass-blocking grade of 67.9, a run-blocking score of 56.9, and an overall offensive grade of 61.8, far better than Bradford’s final grade.

The Seahawks continue to sort through their options at right guard. Indications are it may be a problem-position all campaign long. Haynes and Bradford will attempt to separate themselves ahead of a Week 5 contest versus the uncompetitive New York Giants.

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