The Drew Lock era in New York appears to be nearing its end. After falling short in Denver, failing to establish himself in Seattle, and now struggling with the Giants, Lock’s career has been one of unrealized potential.
Once seen as a possible franchise quarterback, the 28-year-old former second-round pick is now on the brink of fading out of the NFL entirely.
The Giants are giving Lock another chance this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, as Tommy DeVito remains in concussion protocol and Tim Boyle serves as the emergency backup. For Lock, this game could be a pivotal moment—not just for his tenure with the Giants, but for his NFL future as a whole. His 2024 performance has been underwhelming: 414 passing yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions, a 51.1% completion rate, and a dismal 54.6 passer rating. Coupled with a nine-game losing streak and the team’s dismal 2-12 record, the pressure couldn’t be greater.
If Lock fails to perform—or worse, suffers another injury—his time with the Giants might be over before the season concludes. The team’s quarterback situation has been chaotic since Daniel Jones was benched and eventually released. Despite receiving multiple opportunities, Lock has yet to deliver. Sunday’s game against Atlanta could very well be his final shot to prove he’s more than a backup option.
Drew Lock’s chances to prove he belongs in the NFL are dwindling
Drew Lock’s career has been a series of setbacks and unmet expectations. His time in Denver began with flashes of potential but was soon overshadowed by inconsistency and turnovers. After being traded to Seattle, Lock failed to win the starting job over Geno Smith. Now with the New York Giants, he has spent the season oscillating between starter and emergency backup, unable to provide the stability the team desperately needs.
Recent performances have done little to inspire confidence. Two weeks ago against the New Orleans Saints, Lock completed just 42.9% of his passes for 227 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. While he added 59 rushing yards, that’s far from what the Giants need from their quarterback. His Thanksgiving outing against Dallas was equally underwhelming, producing just 178 passing yards, another interception, and six sacks. The glimpses of talent that once made Lock an intriguing prospect are now buried under years of frustration and inconsistency.
Sunday’s matchup against Atlanta carries significant implications, not just for Lock but for the Giants as a whole. Atlanta will be starting rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., making his NFL debut. If Lock struggles to outplay a rookie—particularly one the Giants passed on in the draft—it will only intensify calls for a complete organizational overhaul. Head coach Brian Daboll is already on the hot seat, and another poor performance from Lock could solidify the need for the front office to move on from this failed experiment.
Durability remains another red flag. Lock missed last week’s game due to heel and elbow injuries, continuing a pattern of health issues throughout his career. If he can’t stay on the field, it’s hard to justify any team, let alone the Giants, investing further in him.
This game represents a pivotal moment for Lock. He’s running out of opportunities to prove he can lead an NFL offense or even serve as a dependable backup. A strong performance against Atlanta might extend his career, potentially earning him a spot on another roster next season. However, another poor showing could mark the end of his time in New York—and perhaps his NFL career entirely.
Giants fans, who have endured a long history of quarterback struggles, know the stakes all too well. Lock is acutely aware of them too. If he fails to deliver on Sunday, it could be the final chapter of a career that never lived up to its promise.
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