Tag: Christian Haynes

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Injury update to Seahawks RT Abe Lucas

Connor Williams partakes in his first practice with Seahawks

Seahawks fall 16-15 to Titans in preseason Week 2

5 takeaways from Seattle’s loss to Tennessee

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.

Ranking the top 33 right guards in the NFL by annual salary

Here’s how the top 33 right guards in the NFL rank by annual salary, including Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford.

The Seattle Seahawks have the worst offensive line in the league this year according to some analysts, including ESPN’s Mike Clay. While we’d rather have a stronger unit on paper, one benefit of this group being bad is that it comes extraordinarily cheap. With the exception of veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson (who’s playing on a one-year, $1.2 million deal), all of Seattle’s projected starters are on their rookie contracts. Today let’s see how the best right guards in the league stack up.

Here’s how the top 33 right guards in the NFL rank by annual salary, including Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford. All contract numbers are from Over the Cap.

5 Seahawks players entering a make-or-break year in 2024

Seahawks NFL Draft grades: Christian Haynes, OG, UConn 81st overall

Seahawks NFL Draft grade for selecting UConn offensive lineman Christian Haynes in the third round

The Seattle Seahawks saw former starting guard Damien Lewis walk in free agency, and hope that UConn offensive guard Christian Haynes can help fill some of the void left by their talented departure.

Haynes projects as a potential starter opposite of free agency signee Laken Tomlinson, who will end up starting at the left guard spot. If Haynes can impress early he should be able to take last years starter at the right guard spot in Anthony Bradford, who was underwhelming in his opportunity.

A four year starter who was extremely productive, Haynes is powerful, relentless, agile, and has plenty of pop in his game to be a soli starter at the NFL level. Haynes was highly rated on my board and ended up as a surprise to fall to this point in the draft.

Grade: A