The Denver Broncos will employ a two-quarterback system Sunday versus the Oakland Raiders.
Coach Gary Kubiak said Trevor Siemian would start the season finale, but Paxton Lynch will also get playing time.
"I want him to get the Kansas City taste out of his mouth," Kubiak said of why he's starting Siemian, via the team's official website.
For a team out of the playoff hunt, playing both young players makes sense. Siemian started 13 games this season but is still in the developmental phase of his career. Lynch made two up-and-down starts, and it's clear the talented rookie needs more seasoning.
"I was more excited than anything to get the opportunity to play again," Lynch said Wednesday.
Lynch has flashed a big arm and mobility but needs a lot more reps before he's ready to run a pro offense.
Siemian is coming off his worst game since early in the season -- before Kubiak opened up the offense for the seventh-round pick. The second-year player has proven he's not a liability at quarterback -- he can make deep throws and read defenses. His issues have stemmed from injuries, a nonexistent running game and poor blocking. It's nearly impossible to fully evaluate Siemian given all the surrounding troubles.
Behind the Broncos' disastrous offensive line, all quarterbacks would struggle.
Playing both Siemian and Lynch gives Kubiak, general manager John Elway and the Broncos a chance to jumpstart the evaluation process on the two youngsters battling for next year's starting quarterback gig.
