The Eagles and Giants learned the importance of having a capable backup quarterback in Week 16.
Let’s take a closer look at Kenny Pickett, Drew Lock and the rest of Sunday’s worst quarterback performances.
Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett
Most quarterbacks would give anything to have been in Pickett’s position. Gifted a defense that forced five turnovers and the league’s best rushing attack, the Eagles backup quarterback had everything anyone could need to win a football game after coming in for injured starter Jalen Hurts (concussion) in the first quarter.
Instead, Pickett reminded everyone why the Steelers had seen enough after two seasons in Philadelphia’s 36-33 loss to the Commanders (10-5).
The third-year quarterback finished the game 14-of-24 for 143 yards (six yards per attempt), one touchdown and one interception while also being sacked three times for a loss of 25 yards.
It isn’t exactly surprising that the Eagles (12-3) need Hurts to be able to win the Super Bowl. But Pickett’s underwhelming performance erodes any thought of a 2017 repeat when Philly won Super Bowl LII with backup quarterback Nick Foles.
Giants quarterback Drew Lock
Two weeks after starting 0-of-8 against the Saints (5-9) in a 14-11 loss, Lock laid another egg against the Falcons (8-7) in a 34-7 trouncing.
Making his third start this season, Lock was 22-of-39 of 210 yards (5.4 yards per attempt), one touchdown and two interceptions.
His two picks were costly, with the Falcons returning both for touchdowns.
Lock bore more responsibility for the first when he stared down wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson and ignored Jessie Bates, arguably the league’s best safety, who jumped the route and returned the interception 55 yards for a touchdown.