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.