The Seattle Seahawks' offensive line took a massive leap between seasons. The team was almost twice as good in pass-protection, going from 3.2 sacks allowed in 2024 -- the fourth-worst in the league -- to just 1.7 this season, tied for fifth-best.
However, that doesn't mean they were flawless. Right guard Anthony Bradford has been a mixed bag this season, alternating impressive plays with head-scratching missed assignments. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), his pass-blocking grade (40.8) was the fifth-worst among 81 eligible guards.
The Seahawks overcame his miscues for the most part, but with a date with Milton Williams in the Super Bowl, he might be in for his toughest challenge yet. Considering that, NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah warned Mike Macdonald's coaching staff about that matchup.
The Seattle Seahawks need to neutralize the Patriots' Milton Williams
“You cannot let Milton Williams beat you. That’s the one matchup I think that heavily favors them across the board is just him on Bradford,” Jeremiah said on his show. “So give him help, don’t let him get isolated. If the Patriots were to win the game, Milton Williams will be the MVP. That would be my power statement.”
Williams is one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the game. He had 3.5 sacks, 24 pressures, eight tackles for loss, and eight QB hits in his first season with Mike Vrabel's team. He often wins when he's lined up on the inside shoulder of the tackle, and his breakaway speed may pose a major threat for an inconsistent player like Bradford.
The Patriots have also used him aligned tightly and closer to the football. His athleticism allows him to read and react to the guard's movements in a split second, and he's much more agile than the average 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive lineman. He can turn the corner in the blink of an eye, and Bradford might struggle to contain him with his many counters.
The Seahawks did a great job of keeping Sam Darnold out of harm's way for the most part. He can extend plays and roll outside of the pocket at times, but he's not necessarily mobile, and we've seen him struggle in collapsed pockets way too many times in his career.
Offensive line coach John Benton will have to get creative to make sure Bradford isn't left on an island against Williams often -- if at all.
Mike Macdonald's team has an edge in almost every aspect of the game, but anything can happen in a win-or-go-home situation. The devil is in the details, and they must have something in store for the Patriots' game-wrecking tackle.