There aren't a lot of things to nitpick at for critics of the New England Patriots. They have the best record in the AFC at 10-2 and have the reeling 2-10 New York Giants coming into town for a battle on Monday Night Football to close out Week 13.
There have been plenty of players who have been productive all year for the Patriots, but that can't be said for everyone. Center Garrett Bradbury signed with New England on a two-year, $9.5 million deal, and that was a move that was highly received around the league and by fans.
He was a six-year starter with the Minnesota Vikings (88 career starts) and gave them a veteran anchor along the interior. While Bradbury has played in all 12 games for New England and started well, his performance has taken a noticeable dip over several weeks.
Garrett Bradbury’s Play for the Patriots Has Decreased
Entering Week 13, Bradbury ranks in the bottom half of the league in multiple categories per Pro Football Focus. He owns a 58.6 overall grade (29th among 37 graded centers), 59.5 pass-blocking grade (22nd among 37 graded centers), and a 55.9 run-blocking grade (34th among 37 graded centers).
Bradbury has allowed 18 total pressures, but has left things to be desired as a blocker. The 30-year-old has six straight games with a sub-60 overall grade via Pro Football Focus. Since Week 8, he has posted three games with a 42 or lower pass blocking grade. That's not mentioning how Bradbury is allowing three-plus pressures in two of his last three games, including a season-high six pressures in Week 10 against the Tampa Buccaneers.
Over the first seven games of the season, he allowed two or fewer pressures while posting four games with a 73 or better pass-blocking grade. As the season has progressed, his pass-blocking numbers have taken a hit, which isn't the trend fans want.
While they are in a great position to make the playoffs, as the calendar turns to December and January, you want your guys playing their best ball. And unfortunately, Bradbury isn't one of them. That problem might become more glaring as Will Campbell is on IR with a knee injury and Jared Wilson is nursing an ankle injury.
With two backups on the left side already being elevated to the starting lineup, the Pats need everyone else to elevate their game. But based on how the past few weeks have gone, Bradbury has underproduced for this group.