New York Giants fans, it’s official: Drew Lock is starting against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. After undergoing an MRI on his throwing shoulder earlier this week, Lock has been cleared to play. Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed the decision, citing a need for “consistency” at quarterback. But let’s be real—there’s nothing consistent about Lock’s play, except for how consistently bad it’s been.
Drew Lock will start at quarterback this week for the Giants against the Colts, per Brian Daboll.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) December 24, 2024
Lock started Sunday against the Falcons. His availability was originally unknown after he underwent an MRI on Monday on his throwing shoulder.
This news isn’t sitting well with fans—particularly Giant great Tiki Barber, who ripped into the team’s decision during a recent segment on WFAN. Barber didn’t mince words, calling Lock’s performances “game-changing in the worst way” and openly questioning whether the team actually believes he gives them the best chance to win.
After last week’s debacle against the Atlanta Falcons, which featured two pick-sixes, the idea of starting Lock again feels like waving the white flag.
So, why Lock? Is Daboll actually trying to win, or is this about securing the No. 1 draft pick? If you’re feeling cynical, you’re not alone. Lock’s stat line this season—52.7% completion rate, 624 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions—doesn’t scream “give this guy another shot.” Yet here we are, staring down the barrel of another frustrating Sunday with Lock under center.
Is Drew Lock starting a sign the Giants are committed to losing?
Let’s get this out of the way: starting Drew Lock doesn’t feel like a decision made with winning in mind. Sure, Daboll can talk about chemistry and consistency all he wants, but Lock has shown time and again that he’s not the guy to lead this team.
His decision-making is suspect, his accuracy is shaky, and his turnover issues are catastrophic. Yet, somehow, he’s been handed the keys to the offense in back-to-back weeks.
Tiki Barber wasn’t wrong to question the logic here. If the goal is to win, why not give someone else—literally anyone else—a chance? The Giants’ season is already a disaster, so why not roll the dice on Tim Boyle or even Tommy DeVito if he’s healthy? At least then you’re trying something different instead of trotting out the same tired formula and expecting better results.
Of course, there’s another angle to this, and it’s one fans can’t ignore: starting Lock might be part of a quiet tanking strategy. Let’s face it—losing out guarantees the Giants the No. 1 pick and a chance to draft a franchise-altering quarterback like Shedeur Sanders. Winning now doesn’t help the team long-term, and maybe, just maybe, Daboll and the front office know that.
But even if this is about tanking, the optics are terrible. Fans don’t want to hear excuses about chemistry or development when the product on the field is so blatantly bad. Lock’s struggles aren’t teaching anyone anything except how to lose in new and creative ways.
At the end of the day, starting Drew Lock in Week 17 feels like a choice born out of desperation—or worse, apathy.
Whether the goal is to secure the top draft pick or simply survive the season, the Giants are sending a message loud and clear: this year is a lost cause. For fans, it’s just another reason to count down the days until this nightmare season is finally over.