Drew Lock ‘very prepared’ to play if Giants bench Daniel Jones

Drew Lock exhibited all the signs of just finishing an intense workout Friday when he came into the Giants locker room, removed his sweaty jersey and took a big drink to catch his breath. 

Lock had just taken zero reps with the starting offense during practice.

Same as all week — and same as the norm under head coach Brian Daboll, who believes a starter should take the full workload — despite quarterback Daniel Jones’ job security being questioned in all corners of the NFL. 

So, what gives?

Lock’s method of backup quarterback preparation that he has carried over from the Broncos to the Seahawks to the Giants is less about mental reps and more about taking the script that Jones just followed and duplicating the reps after practice with some teammates. 

“To be able to make the throws, get the calls, send the shifts and the motions,” Lock said. “When you are standing back there not saying things, not really doing things, you can catch yourself saying, ‘What? Oh, I have to do a silent [snap count]. We need to go on the double here.’ I think it makes a big difference. Not to mention footwork, and you’ve got to find a way to get in all throws that D.J. has in the game plan.” 

Lock played less than expected in the preseason because he suffered an abdominal injury in the Aug. 12 game against the Lions.

He finally came off the injury report this week — though he was active as the backup Week 1 — and is ready to jump into a game on a moment’s notice if needed. 

“Mentally, I’m very prepared,” Lock said. “I have my system down throughout the week that I feel good going into game day. If my number is called or something happens, I’ll be ready to go. I’ve done it plenty of times so far. Having your plan and knowing how to be ready without doing [much] throughout the week is tough, but once you have it figured out, it’s easy to get done.” 

Lock operates the scout-team offense to prepare the Giants defense, while third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito works through the entire play sheet on a separate field.

During walk-through periods, Lock gets his turn with the offensive play sheet, but it’s a time crunch. 

In Seattle, Lock’s preparation routine evolved to include mirroring starter Geno Smith’s throws in walk-throughs to receivers on the opposite side of the field.

He hopes DeVito copies the post-practice script idea moving forward. 

“I have a lot of confidence in Drew — that’s why we brought him in,” quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney said. “All through OTAs and training camp, I saw a really good quarterback and a guy who’s been in the league for a lot of years.” 

Jones started his make-or-break season with the third-lowest single-game quarterback rating (44.3) of his career in a loss to the Vikings.

He missed open throws and stumbled his way to 22 of 42 passing, with two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and five sacks. 

But Daboll never considered making a change at quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Commanders. How long of a leash Jones has if the struggles continue is unknown — not to mention that Jones has left two of his last three starts with injuries. 

“You have to get up to the pace of the game, know where you are at in the game,” Lock said. “You have to be ready for anything and everything. You can be thrown into a situation that’s dicey.” 

Lock has worn Jones’ shoes, too. He was Denver’s starter from late in 2019 through 2020 before losing the preseason competition against Teddy Bridgewater, beginning his backup odyssey in 2021. 

“There’s mutual respect between me and Daniel,” Lock said. 

Of course, Lock wants to play. But he knows part of his job after a loss is to help Jones figure things out. 

“The mental side of wins and losses, I’ve been in the shi–er,” Lock said. “It’s beneficial to have someone there who knows how it feels, knows when to say things, knows when not to say things, knows when I would say, ‘Get out of my face.’ It’s part of my job to be a sounding board or a psychiatrist or whatever I need to be.” 

Jones and Tierney spent extra time this week on Jones’ footwork, looking for any correction that can explain his drastic drop-off since playing at a winning level in 2022.

Lock went home and told his wife about Jones’ commitment. 

“He does everything a starting quarterback should do every week,” Lock said. “Last week, you would consider it a down, and I haven’t seen him blink this week. It’s impressive considering [criticism] is heightened here in New York.” 

If it reaches new heights, Lock’s turn could be approaching.