The Denver Broncos will play what could be their toughest game of the season this Sunday against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles, the defending Super Bowl champions.
One thing that stood out in a negative way during the Broncos' dominant victory over the Cincinnati Bengals this past Monday night was the play of center Luke Watterberg. The fourth-year player had five penalty flags thrown against him, and three of those penalties were accepted.
It was a bad night at the office for Wattenberg, but head coach Sean Payton stood up for his starting center following the game, arguing that the team disagreed with many of the calls in the game.
Sean Payton came pretty strongly to #Broncos center Luke Wattenberg’s defense after Wattenberg had five flags (three accepted) vs. the Bengals.
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) October 2, 2025
Made clear there were a “handful” of penalties they didn’t agree with.
“He’s been playing well.” pic.twitter.com/p6QtiVKxBo
Payton is standing up for his guy, but things could get ugly this Sunday if Wattenberg is on his A-game, as he will be on the opposite side of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis in the middle of Philadelphia's defensive line. Carter and Davis are two of the best interior defenders in the NFL and Wattenberg will need the help of Ben Powers and Quinn Meinerz to help control them.
This will be a key factor in this game as the Broncos would like to control time of possession with a strong running game. That will be difficult to do if Carter and Davis take over.
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J.K. Dobbins just rushed for 100 yards for the first time in the last 38 games for the Broncos, so keeping that momentum going will be a key to pulling off a road upset. Wattenberg helping to neutralize the middle of Philadelphia's defensive front will be a must for the Broncos.
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