As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for Super Bowl LX, quarterback Sam Darnold‘s resilience has become a central storyline. But that could be put to the test if Anthony Bradford continues to struggle.
With an oblique injury limiting his practice participation ahead of the NFC Championship Game, questions about his protection from the offensive line have intermingled with talk of his toughness and the performance of his teammates.
The Seahawks put on a celebration that left everyone stunned
Darnold‘s injury garnered significant attention when he was listed as questionable for Seattle‘s playoff run due to the oblique issue.
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The quarterback was limited in practice and didn’t ramp up throwing before the divisional round matchup, raising eyebrows around the league.
Despite this setback, his performance in the 41-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers was strong by Seattle standards, leading the offense to a decisive victory that secured their berth in the conference title game.
Fans and analysts alike have debated the root causes of pressure on Darnold, often pointing to the Seattle Seahawks‘ offensive line as a key factor.
Among that group, right guard Anthony Bradford has drawn particular criticism for inconsistency and struggles with pass protection throughout the 2025 season.
Bradford struggles with blocks
One of the central frustrations with Bradford stems from his pass-blocking metrics.
In one statistical breakdown, Bradford allowed multiple sacks, quarterback hits, and a high number of hurries, suggesting that his protection shortcomings may be a contributor to Darnold‘s challenges.
Despite these struggles, Bradford‘s journey to a starting role has not been entirely one-sided.
Early in the 2025 season, some preseason analysis highlighted his development compared to other young linemen, indicating that he earned significant playing time by showing improvement in execution and discipline during practice and early games.
In 2025, Bradford started 17 games for the Seahawks, solidifying his presence on the field throughout the long regular season.
However, his play has remained polarizing among fans and analysts alike, with social media clips and fan montages highlighting his more costly mistakes.
Balancing criticism and performance
Critics have not held back in expressing their views on Bradford‘s performance, often emphasizing how offensive line breakdowns escalate pressure on Darnold.
One widely shared fan-made clip circulating online was labeled “Anthony Bradford humiliation ritual part 8″ by its creator, capturing several moments where poorly timed blocks and missed assignments appeared to compromise the offense.
“There is no way Anthony Bradford is a real human being pt. 2,” one social media post humorously noted while showcasing another difficult play.
Bradford has fallen toward the lower end of guard rankings in pass protection, reflecting the tangible struggles that have accompanied his increased snap count.
However, some supporters have pointed to moments early in the campaign when Bradford showed flashes of potential, particularly in run blocking or when called upon to adapt in live game situations.
Despite this, the Seahawks‘ coaching staff has maintained a long-term view toward player development.
Head coach Mike Macdonald has emphasized cohesion and technique within the offensive line during media appearances, echoing the belief within the organization that they can eventually reduce pressures on Darnold.
As Seattle heads into the biggest game of the season, the spotlight will not only be on Darnold‘s ability to overcome injury but also on how the offensive front responds under the intense scrutiny that comes with a Super Bowl matchup.
