Clough: ‘Why play Lynch’ over Osweiler if Broncos continue to win

With Paxton Lynch taking snaps with the Denver Broncos first-team offense this week came a swirl of speculation this week on whether Sunday’s tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals might be Brock Osweiler’s last under center for the team.

Lynch took No. 2 reps and stepped in with the first team during pass plays while Osweiler, nursing a shoulder injury, took the running plays.

However, Joseph assured the media on Wednesday that Osweiler’s the starter and “will be fine.”

And on Thursday, 104.3 The Fan’s Sandy Clough said Osweiler would continue in that role after Sunday should he lead Denver to a win.

“As long as they win, why would you play Lynch?” Clough asked.

Clough argues that there’s likely one playoff spot up for grabs, especially with the 5-4 Buffalo Bills benching quarterback Tyrod Taylor this week.

“Denver is not relevant in a competitive sense, but the rest of the season is relevant,” Clough said.

“Stokley & Zach” co-host Brandon Stokley championed a similar position on Thursday, saying if Osweiler plays well and they win against the Bengals, he’ll be the quarterback the following week in Oakland.

“He realizes that his job is week by week. He realizes if he doesn’t perform, it doesn’t matter who’s behind him. They’re trying to find their quarterback,” Stokley said. “If he doesn’t perform, he’s gone.

“So, it doesn’t matter if it’s Paxton Lynch behind him taking reps or whatever. You’ve got to go out there and perform. And if you don’t, you’re benched.”

Osweiler took over in Week 9 for third-year pro Trevor Siemian, who had beaten Lynch out during training camp for the starting job.

In two starts, Osweiler has thrown for 447 yards, tossing two touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 52 percent of his passes.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.