Lock getting full practice reps with starters this week, something he has not had in months
As Drew Lock prepares for his second start of the season, the New York Giants quarterback is embracing the opportunity.
Lock will get the opportunity to not only play, but to have live practice reps with the starters this week as the Giants prepare to face the New Orleans Saints. Lock did not get those last week as the Giants held only walk-through practices on a short week in preparation for the Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys.
“I think the reps help a ton. I’d say anybody in this position would say the same thing,” Lock said. “Getting back out there, letting them hear your cadence, letting them hear you calling it in the huddle… it helps tremendously.
“I’m excited and appreciative of getting a little practice time with these guys.”
With a full week of preparation, Lock believes his connection with receivers and overall execution will improve.
“I hope that every chance I get to start here, you keep seeing a better me every start,” Lock said. “But the realistic side to that is it’s football, this game’s hard. But I’m confident that having a week of practice and being able to go out there and play, there’s going to be some things that I do better … But, having practice reps and being able to get some timing down with these guys, it’s been big.”
Throughout his career, Lock has been labeled a “gunslinger.”
“The gunslinger always comes with the pro and the con,” he admitted. “You can be a gunslinger and take care of the football, and that’s the balance that I’ve been working towards since freshman year of college.”
One of Lock’s biggest assets is rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, whose ability to create space and dominate 50-50 balls has been a revelation. Lock understands the importance of balancing opportunities for Nabers with spreading the ball around.
“If he’s the first [read] and he’s open, I’m going to give it to him. But if he’s the third and one and two are open, you’re not passing that up,” Lock said.
When asked if he sees this start as an audition for his future, Lock kept his focus narrow.
“My focus is on playing good football for this team and myself, trying to get us a win and do the best I can,” he said.
Lock will look to lead the struggling Giants to their third win of the season and first win at home on Sunday.
