AFC West Notebook: Broncos Lock Up Wattenberg, Herbert Guts It Out, Raiders’ Offense Searching for Identity
Let’s take a spin around the AFC West, where one team just secured its center of the future, another saw its franchise quarterback battle through injury, and a third is still trying to piece together a consistent offensive identity.
Broncos: Luke Wattenberg Chooses Loyalty Over Market Value
In a league where top-tier offensive linemen are cashing in big, Broncos center Luke Wattenberg made a different kind of statement-one rooted in loyalty and belief in what’s being built in Denver. The 27-year-old inked a four-year, $48 million extension, a deal that came in under what former Broncos center Lloyd Cushenberry landed in free agency earlier this year.
But for Wattenberg, the number on the contract wasn’t the headline.
“I wanted to stay in Denver,” he said. “That was the biggest thing. I wanted to stay here and I wanted to play with this team.”
This wasn’t just about comfort or familiarity. Wattenberg spoke like a player who sees unfinished business in orange and blue.
“I feel like I built a lot here and we’ve built a lot as a team, and I didn’t want to start something new somewhere else.”
Wattenberg’s growth has mirrored the Broncos’ own evolution up front. He’s become a reliable anchor in the middle of the line, and his extension signals Denver’s commitment to continuity in the trenches-a vital piece for any team trying to stabilize its offense.
Chargers: Herbert Pushes Through Pain
It was a tense moment for Chargers fans on Sunday when quarterback Justin Herbert exited the game with a left hand injury. The team listed him as questionable to return, and for a brief stretch, Trey Lance stepped in under center.
But Herbert-true to form-wasn’t going to let a little adversity keep him out for long. He returned to the field with a glove on his injured hand, a clear sign that he was dealing with discomfort but determined to push through.
This is vintage Herbert: tough, composed, and fiercely competitive. The Chargers’ offense flows through him, and even when he’s not at 100%, his presence on the field changes the entire dynamic. It’s unclear how the injury will affect him moving forward, but his quick return speaks volumes about his leadership and resolve.
Raiders: Olson, Smith Reunite Amid Offensive Rebuild
In Las Vegas, the Raiders are still trying to find their rhythm offensively, and interim offensive coordinator Greg Olson is working to bring some cohesion to a unit that’s been inconsistent at best. One silver lining? Olson’s previous relationship with quarterback Geno Smith is giving the offense a bit of a foundation to build on.
“I’m thankful that I had a relationship with him in Seattle,” Olson said. “It certainly makes things easier… we’re on the same page, and we know that we’ve got to get better.”
That familiarity is helping, but Olson knows the issues run deeper than just play-calling or quarterback execution. It’s about the entire operation-protection, timing, route discipline, and situational awareness.
“We’re constantly evaluating the personnel… using different systems-running backs, tight ends, chips, max protections-trying to find different ways to help out the front,” Olson explained.
The offensive line is still a work in progress, and Olson emphasized that it’s not just about who’s starting-it’s about how the entire unit functions together. That includes the receivers running crisp routes, the backs picking up blitzes, and the quarterback getting the ball out on time.
The Raiders are also trying to re-establish a physical identity in the run game-something Olson believes is essential to long-term success.
“The successful teams are the ones that run the ball when they want to run it-not just to maintain balance,” he said. “We’ve got to get in the mindset that when we want to run the football, we’ll run the football, no matter what.”
That’s easier said than done, especially in a division loaded with elite pass rushers and stout fronts. But the message is clear: the Raiders want to be more than just balanced-they want to be imposing.
Bottom Line
The Broncos are investing in their offensive core. The Chargers are leaning on their franchise quarterback’s toughness.
And the Raiders are still searching for the formula to unlock their offensive potential. Three teams, three different trajectories-but all with plenty to prove as the season rolls on.