The Seattle Seahawks hope not to be without starting quarterback Sam Darnold in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers. Still, that could happen after Darnold came down with an oblique injury in practice just two days before the playoff game. If Darnold can't play, Drew Lock would.
Even if Darnold starts and if he is more injured than he appeared when speaking to the media on Thursday, or if he aggravates the injury, Lock could enter the game. The backup quarterback even got QB1 reps in practice on Thursday after Darnold left early to get treatment on his oblique.
The good part is that Lock does have lots of starting experience in the NFL, but the negative is that he hasn't gotten to play much at all this season. Darnold has stayed healthy and productive. Lock knows offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system from being in it for a season, but he hasn't had to execute it.
Seattle Seahawks' Drew Lock could succeed in a big way if forced to start against the San Francisco 49ers
Should Lock, who washed out with the Denver Broncos at the beginning of his career (a big reason why is that Denver had awful offensive direction and little talent offensive talent overall) and hasn't gotten a chance to be a full-time start since, with either the Seahawks or New York Giants, play, he might still be successful against San Francisco.
That is because the 49ers simply cannot get sustained pressure on opposing quarterbacks. San Francisco had only 20 sacks during the regular season, easily last in the NFL. Against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round, the 49ers did have one sack, but that was also their only pressure of the game.
Unless the Seattle Seahawks have a breakdown along its offensive line, an improved group that normally holds up well in pass protection, Drew Lock (or Sam Darnold) should have enough time to go through progressions and not force the ball to a receiver. The only issue with Lock would be rust, which could lead to indecisiveness.
If the backup quarterback was forced to start against many other teams, he would likely face a lot more pressure in his face. While the 49ers are a dangerous team because they are extremely well-coached, Lock's opportunity to start would at least be a best-case scenario in terms of pass rush.
The game plan should also be one that features running backs Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet quite a bit, but that would be the Seattle Seahawks plan, no matter if Darnold or Lock starts. Ultimately, rushing well is going to be Seattle's best chance for offensive success.