The Russell Wilson trade was tough to swallow for a lot of Seattle Seahawks fans. For some the deal may be irredeemable, but it would certainly help salve the wound if they are truly getting the best version of Drew Lock from the Denver Broncos.
For what it’s worth, Lock’s personal quarterback coach Justin Hoover believes that’s the case. He was a guest on ESPN 710 Seattle earlier this week. Here’s what he told Jake Heaps and Stacy Jo Rost about Lock’s game.
“I just saw him last week and I think he’s kind of rejuvenated and feels great mentally and physically. I think you’re going to get the best version of Drew Lock moving forward… He really respects this game and loves this game. For him, the respect of the game and recognizing the best version of himself… he just needs to get back to that point kind of between the ears, as a confidence part.”
Statistically, the best we have seen from Lock at this level came late in the 2019 campaign. After Denver’s starter Joe Flacco went down with a neck injury, Lock closed out the season as the team’s QB1 over the final five games. He posted a 4-1 record, totaling a 64.1% completion rate, seven touchdowns, three interceptions and a 50.2 QBR.
Lock followed that good work with a rough 2020 season, when he led the NFL with 15 interceptions. He also struggled in his three starts in 2021 when Teddy Bridgewater was injured, going 0-3 and totaling a 23.4 QBR. Ball security has been an issue for him throughout and he has 13 fumbles in just 24 games.
While the numbers aren’t pretty, there’s undeniable athletic potential at work, here. If Lock can cut down on his turnovers and the Seahawks embrace what he does well – mostly play action – he may yet become a solid starter.
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