C · Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Rams · 69 graded snaps
Replacement
Wattenberg anchored well on run combos and short-yardage sneaks, but frequent pass protection lapses and a costly penalty limited him to a replacement-level grade.
Wattenberg earned a 61.9 overall grade due to a sharp contrast between his run blocking (66) and pass protection (58). His pass protection hit serious snags in the second half, marked by a pre-snap false start at Q4 13:07, instantly followed by surrendering interior penetration to Kobie Turner that forced an interception. He also struggled to control Poona Ford's hands, resulting in two batted passes at the line of scrimmage (Q3 03:12 and Q4 03:38). However, he salvaged his day in the ground game, consistently moving interior linemen on combo blocks and driving the wedge on short-yardage sneaks, highlighted by paving the way for a 1-yard touchdown sneak at Q4 00:48.
Strengths
Short-yardage wedge blocking
Zone combo displacement
Initial pocket slide anchoring
Weaknesses
Allowing batted passes
Interior rush penetration
Pre-snap discipline
Plays that moved the grade
+1Q4 00:48, 3rd & 1Fired out with low leverage to root out the nose tackle, generating the push for a 1-yard touchdown sneak.
-1Q4 13:07, 2nd & 9Flinched prior to the snap to draw a 5-yard dead-ball false start penalty.
-0.5Q4 13:07, 2nd & 14Allowed interior pressure to Kobie Turner that forced a rushed interception, though he hustled 40 yards to prevent a touchdown.
Every graded snap · 19 wins or losses, 50 routine
+0.5Q1 02:57 · 3 & 1 · Run blockDelivers an accurate shotgun snap and works effectively with Meinerz to control the nose tackle.
+0.5Q1 02:13 · 1 & 10 · Pass blockSlides left to assist against interior penetration, maintaining pocket integrity.
-0.5Q2 13:12 · 1 & 10 · Run blockStruggles to get full displacement on Ty Hamilton, allowing Hamilton to shed inside and make the primary tackle.
+0.5Q2 04:15 · 1 & 15 · Pass blockCoordinates the slide protection inside and assists against interior defensive tackle pressure.
+0.5Q3 14:55 · 1 & 10 · Run blockWorks in tandem with Powers to get initial movement on Ford, helping establish the front side lane.
-0.5Q3 14:19 · 2 & 4 · Pass blockEngages defensive line but fails to slide over and provide help as Fiske slants hard across Meinerz's inside shoulder.
-0.5Q3 14:12 · 3 & 4 · Pass blockSlides left but cannot help Powers in time to cut off Donald's quick inside rip.
Q3 11:50 · 3 & 2 · Run blockPairs with Meinerz to get initial movement on Poona Ford, anchoring the interior pocket to provide a crease for Dobbins.
+0.5Q3 10:37 · 3 & 1 · Run blockFires out low off the snap into Kobie Turner and Donald, creating enough initial push for Nix to lunge into the line.
+0.5Q3 07:44 · Pass blockMaintains post integrity in the middle of the pocket against interior push.
-0.5Q3 03:12 · 1 & 10 · Pass blockEngages Poona Ford but fails to get hands into his chest or lower his pad level, allowing Ford to easily track the QB and bat the pass.
+0.5Q3 02:24 · 1 & 8 · Pass blockDelivered a clean snap and anchored well against interior push to keep the pocket integrity intact.
+0.5Q4 14:00 · 2 & 10 · Pass blockAssists with interior pressure and anchors firmly at the snap.
-1Q4 13:07 · 2 & 9 · Pass blockFlinched before snapping the ball at 00:14.6, drawing a dead-ball false start penalty.
-0.5Q4 13:07 · 2 & 14 · Pass blockAllows penetration to Kobie Turner in pass protection which causes the rushed throw, but shows tremendous effort hustling 40 yards downfield to tackle Wallace and prevent a pick-six.
+0.5Q4 08:34 · 1 & 10 · Run blockCombos effectively to secure the interior defensive tackle and walls off penetration.
-0.5Q4 03:38 · 1 & 10 · Pass blockMaintains physical position on Ford but fails to control his hands or keep his pads low, allowing Ford to track the QB and leap to deflect the ball.
-0.5Q4 02:00 · 1 & 10 · Run blockUnable to control Poona Ford, who sheds him to secure the tackle on the ball carrier.
+1Q4 00:48 · 3 & 1 · Run blockFires off with low pad level to root out the nose tackle and establish the initial surge on the goal line.