“`html
ATLANTA — Drew Lock’s performance while stepping back in as the starting quarterback for the Giants failed to provide a solid case for him to retain the role.
Lock managed to guide the New York Giants to just one touchdown in a disheartening 34-7 defeat against the Atlanta Falcons, marking the team’s franchise record of ten consecutive losses.
In this game, Lock threw for one touchdown but unfortunately, he also threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns by the Falcons. With this loss, the Giants fell to a record of 2-13, having not seen victory since October 6 when they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 29-20 with Daniel Jones under center.
After Jones was released on November 22, the team’s performance against the Falcons has prompted head coach Brian Daboll to confront tough questions regarding the team’s trajectory and their revolving quarterback situation.
Daboll’s postgame remarks frequently reflected the sentiment, stating, “We were not good enough.”
In his third start after a one-week absence due to a heel injury, Lock completed 22 of 39 passes, accumulating 210 yards. Along with the two interceptions returned for touchdowns, Lock also fumbled the ball.
“Give Atlanta credit,” said Daboll. “You can’t win a game when you throw two interceptions for touchdowns. Another turnover, lose the turnover ratio.”
The Giants initially gained a 7-0 lead thanks to Lock’s 2-yard touchdown pass to running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. on a lengthy 14-play, 70-yard drive that took more than eight minutes off the clock in the second quarter.
However, on their next possession, Lock’s attempt to pass to Wan’Dale Robinson was intercepted by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, who returned it for a 55-yard touchdown, handing Atlanta a 10-7 advantage.
“After the first drive for a touchdown, I think momentum was really high there,” Lock reflected. “But momentum shifted after the pick-6. It’s our job to go get it back and have it flip for us.”
The second interception returned for a touchdown occurred early in the second half, as defensive tackle Zach Harrison deflected Lock’s pass, leading to a 26-yard return for a score by Matthew Judon.
When questioned about Daboll’s feedback after the interceptions, Lock affirmed, “Obviously he was telling me you can’t do that. Everything he said to me was the same thing I was feeling in my head. We’re not on two different planets, you know.”
In a small silver lining, the Giants avoided tying the NFL record for the fewest interceptions by a defense in a season, as they had previously only notched two interceptions this year, until cornerback Cor’Dale Flott intercepted a pass that was bobbled by tight end Kyle Pitts.
This season for the Giants will be largely overshadowed by their record-setting losing streak.
“The only thing you can kind of get out of this is figure out how you can be better as a player and as a team and try to finish on a high note,” left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor shared. “As a player, try to play as hard as you can and don’t let this get you down.”
Coach Daboll mentioned he did not contemplate switching to quarterback Tommy DeVito during the game, although he refrained from confirming whether Lock would start in the upcoming home game against Indianapolis.
Daboll’s coaching record stands at 17-31-2 after three seasons. When asked what instills confidence that players are still receptive to his messaging, he said, “We’re out with them every day.”
“Our focus is just trying to improve each week, get better after this game. And that’s all you can do,” Daboll added.
When questioned if fans might desire more transparency, he replied, “I just say, look, it’s not good enough. It wasn’t good enough. And again, you know, you have three turnovers in a game that’s … only one on the other side. You give up two for 14 points. These are usually the outcomes.”
“`