Drew Lock’s dud vs. Cowboys justifies Brian Daboll's decision

The New York Giants rolled into their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys with low expectations, and somehow, they still managed to underperform. With starting quarterback Tommy DeVito sidelined by a forearm injury, Drew Lock got the start. The hope was Lock’s experience and arm strength might provide a spark for the league’s worst offense. Instead, his performance left fans longing for DeVito’s return.

Lock’s day was a disaster from start to finish. He completed 21 of 32 passes for a meager 110 yards, threw an interception, lost a fumble, and was sacked six times. His 66.9 passer rating was emblematic of an offensive unit that managed 20 points in a 27-20 loss. For a team that hasn’t had a winning record since Week 5, this performance hammered home one thing: naming DeVito the starter might have been the right call all along.

The score and throwing statistics are misleading; the game was never actually close. The final score suggested a tighter contest than it truly was. Furthermore, almost half of Lock's passing yards were accumulated during garbage time. Don't be deceived by these numbers - the Giants and Lock performed poorly throughout the game.

Drew Lock's incompetence makes Daboll's decision to start Tommy Cutlets look genius

Lock showed flashes of competence on the opening drive, leading a 13-play, 70-yard march that resulted in a Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushing touchdown (and we may have jumped the gun on crowning Lock the guy). It was the Giants’ first lead since Week 5, but it didn’t last long. The offense quickly reverted to its dysfunctional form, with Lock struggling under pressure and failing to move the ball effectively.

While Lock’s mobility was on display during a 28-yard scramble that set up the Giants’ lone touchdown, his inability to generate consistent plays through the air was glaring. Of his 110 passing yards, 53 went to rookie wideout Malik Nabers, who once again carried the team’s offense. The remaining targets yielded little, with no other receiver surpassing 20 yards.

Lock’s poor outing highlighted the broader issues plaguing the Giants. The offensive line was overwhelmed by the Cowboys’ ferocious pass rush, allowing six sacks and leaving Lock scrambling for survival. Running backs Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary combined for just 55 yards on 16 carries outside of Lock’s scrambles, offering no relief.

The defense didn’t fare much better. Cooper Rush led the Cowboys with 195 passing yards and a touchdown, while Rico Dowdle gashed the Giants on the ground with 112 rushing yards and a score. Adding insult to injury, the Giants lost defensive star Dexter Lawrence to an elbow injury.

For head coach Brian Daboll, Lock's performance may have justified his controversial choice to start DeVito instead of the more experienced quarterback. Although DeVito didn't fair well in his first start, he appeared significantly more impressive than Lock, which is noteworthy considering DeVito's lackluster performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Giants’ season is effectively over, but Thursday’s loss served as a reminder of why DeVito is the better choice moving forward. Lock had his chance to prove otherwise but came up empty.

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