The backup quarterback spoke to the media following being passed up as the next QB in line for the New York Giants.
The New York Giants made major headlines this week when they announced that Tommy DeVito was taking over as the team’s starting quarterback.
In a rather unexpected turn of events, DeVito, who has been the Giants third-string quarterback all season, was selected to start over Drew Lock, who has been the backup to Daniel Jones. With DeVito leapfrogging Lock on the depth chart, Jones appears to be the team’s fourth quarterback at this point, as recently signed Tim Boyle may end up being the third quarterback on the depth chart moving forward.
While everyone wanted to hear what DeVito had to say about being named the starter, the media was just as interested in hearing what Lock had to say about being bypassed. Lock shared his thoughts on Wednesday afternoon:
Being bypassed to start
“Two sides of it always. One, my job is to be there for him now and help him as much as I can this week, help him on the sidelines on Sunday and be a good asset to this team in any way possible. That’s where my head’s at still. But at the same time, the other side of the coin is, if you get to be the backup all year and the time comes and you end up still being a backup, you’re upset. You want to be playing, everybody wants to play. There is two sides to that coin, but the one that I’m going to show here is what’s important.”
‘It was expressed to me that I was going to be the two’
“Again, that’s a question I might still have for myself. It was expressed to me that I was going to be the two. I don’t know, it’s an interesting situation. Not much I can really say about it besides, again, I’m going to be here for him. We’re still communicating, still very good friends, believe it or not. I’m going to be here for him. This team needs to get a win. If we start winning, everything gets a little better around here.”
How was the decision explained to Lock?
“Simply put, similar situation last year with him. Felt like the team rallied around him well and gave them a little spark. That’s what they know, that’s what they’ve seen. The time in the preseason. That’s what their decision was based on. That’s what they’re going with.”
Is there some confusion and/or disappointment for him?
“Probably both. Definitely disappointed. But again, I’ll just keep reiterating, my disappointment will not show one bit, around anyone in this facility or after that meeting upstairs. Obviously, I expressed this with them. But my job is to just tongue and cheek and keep rolling. I’ll handle this like a pro. I’ll be professional. That’s something I’d pride myself in. I’m not going to be a guy that tears apart the locker room. I’ve got to build it up. I know winning and playing good on Sunday in the quarterback position is good for this team and I’m going to try to help him do everything we can.”
Was Lock misled when he signed with the Giants?
“No. Obviously, the situation can be looked at as that. Maybe I don’t want to think that or feel that. So, that’s where I’ll stand and just believe that when my time comes, it’s supposed to come. I’ll be ready for it.”
Does Lock regret signing with the Giants this offseason?
“No. Anytime you get to be on a new team, learn a new offense, grow as a quarterback, learn from (quarterback) Daniel (Jones), learn from these guys in this facility and keep learning. I feel like that carries weight moving into next year and the previous years. This is my fourth offense now. Three West Coast, now you get more of a New England traditional with a little Buffalo. I kind of got it all under the belt now and that’s something I’d hang my hat on.”
On Daniel Jones’ reaction
“Obviously he’s upset. But at the same time, he’s in there in the meetings, came in on Tuesday, sat in there and watched the games with us. Honestly, it’s not surprising. It’s what I expected. Him being in there, helping Tommy (DeVito). Good quarterback rooms are fun to be in. The ones that get ugly, it’s just a tough environment to be in.”
What it felt like seeing Jones as the fourth quarterback in practice
“Yeah, it’s interesting. It’s weird because it’s not ever what you’ve seen, right? But again, he’s upset. He’s taking it as well as anybody would in that position.”
Does Lock expect Jones to leave the team early?
“No, we haven’t talked too much about it. Knowing the guy he is, they’ll probably have to kick him out of here for him not to be here.”
On still supporting his teammates
“There’s a ton of emotions involved in all of it. I would say, this is still a business. I want more jobs after this year. So, if I come in and be ugly and nasty, it just leaves a bad taste in these guys’ mouths. Who knows how fast that spreads. I’m going to come in and be great. And not to mention, I’ve been really close with Tommy (DeVito). It’s more than just a business thing. I appreciate him. He’s a great friend and I want him to go out there and do well. He deserves to go out there and play well. He deserves to have this team behind him. I’m excited for him.”
