SEATTLE — 2023 has been the year of the backup quarterback in the NFL, and on Monday night. Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks added his name to the list — and may have pushed himself near the top.
The 6-7 Seahawks were fighting for their season against the 10-3 Philadelphia Eagles, and with starting quarterback Geno Smith’s groin injury, Seattle didn’t really know who would start the game until the game started. Smith warmed up before the game, but was unable to go, so Lock got the nod.
Things didn’t go well for Lock and his offense in the first half — they scored just three points in the first 30 minutes of the game, and Lock completed 10 of 14 passes for 60 yards. But the defending NFC champion Eagles continued their own struggles on both sides of the ball, and with 1:52 left in the game, down 17-13 ,Lock at least had a shot… though he’d have to travel 92 yards in a very short time to make the most of it.
Receiver D.K. Metcalf did a lot to define that final drive with three catches for 58 yards…
What a final offensive series for DK Metcalf. pic.twitter.com/6qFbccCtkt
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) December 19, 2023
…which set up Lock’s 29-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 33 seconds remaining.
Drew Lock to Jaxson Smith-Njigba. pic.twitter.com/o3FlJyCaik
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2023
The Eagles, who had passed defensive play-calling responsibilities from Seen Desai to Matt Patricia this week, were not prepared for any of this, especially the touchdown. As Lock explained after the game, when both he and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron saw cornerback James Bradberry playing flat-footed in man coverage against Smith-Njigba, everyone on the Seattle side knew good news was about to happen.
"I'll remember that play call for the rest of my life."
An unforgettable night for @DrewLock23.
📺 @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/UDXnPkTjSF
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 19, 2023
Lock, the 2019 second-round pick of the Denver Broncos out of Missouri, had never been able to establish himself as an NFL starter, which of course led to some doubts in his head over time. But in this moment, he understood what he had to do, and he went out and did it.
