For better or worse, the Seattle Seahawks are keeping the quarterback situation of the 2022 NFL Season to just Drew Lock or Geno Smith. Lock has been one of the most polarizing players for the Seahawks since they traded nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for a huge package that included Lock. He has been an example of one of the upbeat quarterbacks in the NFL. One of the most eccentric moments for Lock was when he was singing “Put On” by Young Jeezy on the sidelines during a Broncos game.
He has been more miss than hit on the field during his three years with the Broncos. In his 2019 rookie NFL season, Lock had the second-best passer rating, behind Gardner Minshew II, of all rookie quarterbacks. In his 24 games in the NFL, Lock has completed 421-of-710 of his passes (59.3%) for 4,740 yards, 25 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, and a passer rating of 79.3. Lock struggled as the starting quarterback for the Broncos, replacing the injured Teddy Bridgewater. He was traded to the Seahawks as a part of the package for Wilson. While Geno Smith has the knowledge and the experience of the Seahawks’ offense, Lock is showing he is not backing down to be the potential starter for the Seahawks when week one of the 2022 NFL season kick-offs.
Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Drew Lock Regaining Swagger
Drew Lock Hopes to Overcome Past Failures and Doubt
Drew Lock has the attributes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. He possesses a strong arm to consistently make the deep throws, excellent releases for all ranges of passes, and he is highly athletic. It is a key reason the Broncos took Lock in the second round (42nd overall pick) in the 2019 NFL Draft. He started his career well but regressed as he lost confidence in his decision-making and playmaking abilities. When it became clear that Lock could not help elevate the Broncos’ potentially explosive offense, the Broncos traded him to the Seahawks. The Seahawks’ decision to include Lock in the huge trade package was greatly criticized. Seahawks fans speculated Lock would either be a bridge quarterback to a young quarterback Seattle would draft in the 2022 NFL Draft, or he would be a backup to Smith.
Instead of acquiring a young quarterback in the 2022 Draft like Malik Wilis or Matt Corral, the Seahawks addressed many of their other huge position issues. Fans outside the Seahawks fanbase slammed the team for sticking with Lock and Smith. The Seahawks have seen positive changes in Lock in OTAs working his way up the depth chart. Lock has been feeling positive and eager with his second chance with a new team.
Drew Lock Fighting Back Off of the Field
There is a noticeable difference with Lock off the field as well. The U.S. Open trashed Lock in response to a troll on Twitter on July 2nd when they labeled tennis “Not a sport.” The Open called out the fan saying, “not a sport says the person about to watch 17 games of Drew Lock at QB.” The two pages split jabs back and forth. The Open continued to trash more trash talk on the Seahawks troll, the Seahawks, and Lock by putting Chris Sims’ top-40 quarterback list for the 2022 NFL Season. In the list, Geno Smith is listed at #33 and Drew Lock is listed at #40. Lock even responded with positive vibes for the Fourth of July, throwing some shade at the U.S. Open. Lock tweeted on July 4th, “Happy 4th to all, but especially to the intern at the U.S Open.”
Happy 4th to all but especially to the intern at the @usopen 🇺🇸😂❤️12s
— Drew Lock (@DrewLock23) July 4, 2022
Seahawks Competition Between Drew Lock and Geno Smith
The race for the starting quarterback of the Seahawks became more narrow on Wednesday. The Cleveland Browns traded disgruntled quarterback Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers. Seattle had been linked to potentially trading for Mayfield. The Seahawks showed no interest in Mayfield within the past few weeks. It appears the race is down to Smith, who has extensive knowledge of the Seahawks’ offense since 2019, and Lock, a player with great talent and charisma. Lock has the potential to take over Seattle’s offense and produce high numbers for their star wide receivers in D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. With Seattle’s 2022 Training Camp starting on July 27th, Lock has a small window to fight for the top spot. He has the talent; he just needs the mental drive to beat out Smith.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
