Retaining the starting quarterback role for the New York Giants gives Drew Lock an opportunity to challenge the “gunslinger” label often associated with his playing style.
In an interview with Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com, Lock shared his thoughts on the term: “The gunslinger (label) always comes with pros and cons. It’s the guy who can make every throw, but the downside is that sometimes the ball might be put at risk.”
While aware of his reputation, Lock emphasized his goal of balancing his aggressive tendencies with a more cautious, team-oriented approach. Striking this balance, he believes, will benefit every aspect of the Giants’ game plan.
Lock elaborated on his approach, saying, “You can be a gunslinger and still take care of the football. That balance is something I’ve been working on since my freshman year of college. It’s huge—not just for me but for this team and our defense. Keeping the defense on the sideline, sustaining drives, and getting the ball into our playmakers’ hands more often is what’s best for the team.”
This was a mature and insightful response from a quarterback facing the challenge of exceeding low expectations, including the tempered hopes of his own coaching staff.
Drew Lock Can Still Prove Giants Wrong
Drew Lock’s ascension to the Giants’ QB1 role came under unusual circumstances, as he stepped in after third-stringer Tommy DeVito suffered an injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12. DeVito, a former undrafted free agent, had initially been chosen over Lock—a 2019 second-round draft pick—to replace the benched Daniel Jones.
The Giants’ decision seemed to be influenced by financial considerations, particularly the playing-time incentives built into Lock’s $5 million contract.
However, some believe money wasn’t the only factor. On X (formerly Twitter), user BigBlueVCR argued that Lock failed to capitalize on a key opportunity in Week 7, when he was brought in late against the Philadelphia Eagles to “create a spark” after Jones was benched. “IMO, when Dabs went to Lock in 4Q of that blowout vs Eagles to ‘create a spark,’ that was the evaluation of Lock for 2024. If Lock played well there, I bet Jones would have been benched. Lock was so bad that the coaches moved on from him (think Maddox in 1995) & turned to DeVito.”
While circumstances have changed and Lock now holds the starting role, he’ll need to perform significantly better to maintain it. That means more than just protecting the football—it requires reining in his risky tendencies while delivering consistent, effective play.
Lock will also require improved protection from an offensive line that struggled mightily against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. As ESPN’s Jordan Raanan highlighted, “Drew Lock took 14 QB hits. He was sacked six times. No quarterback can be consistently successful under that type of pressure.”
For Lock to thrive and solidify his role, the offensive line must step up and provide the stability needed to allow him to execute effectively.
Giants May Target Another Gunslinger
If the Giants explore free agency to address their quarterback issues, Jameis Winston might be a viable option despite his inconsistent track record. Currently starting for the Cleveland Browns, Winston embodies the classic boom-or-bust passer.
His “gunslinger” reputation was on full display in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos, where he delivered a stat-filled yet turnover-heavy performance. ESPN’s Adam Schefter perfectly described it as “The Jameis Winston Experience.”
Winston’s ability to produce big plays—albeit paired with costly mistakes—could make him an intriguing but risky choice for the Giants.
Finding a franchise quarterback will require the Giants to strike the right balance. Players like Jameis Winston—or Drew Lock, for that matter—might be too reckless to provide a lasting solution to the team’s long-standing struggles.
At the same time, the Giants also want to avoid overly cautious play, a criticism often leveled at Daniel Jones in recent seasons. While neither Lock nor Winston appears to be a long-term answer, the Giants’ future at the game’s most critical position should center on a prospect who blends elite arm talent and natural confidence with intelligence and poise.
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