re: Hard to Know How to Feel

I think it is developmental. It's easy to say this when he has struggled but Lock was pretty raw as a QB recruit. He didn't come from a HS program that routinely pushes out well developed talent. That 4th star he got rode primarily on his arm strength and Trent Dilfer drooling all over him in non contact passing camps.

His HS stats tell a little more of the story. He was a 60% passer his Jr year which in terms of over all rating, was a better year than his Sr season. He jumped to 66% his Sr year because he was throwing a lot of screens and wheel routes. He couldn't control the lack of skill talent around him but people saw him take a step that wasn't really there.

Jump forward to his Fr year at MU and he completes a bunch of passes in scrimmages (where he still can't be hit) against a secondary that routinely allowed high completion %s and folks are calling for him to be a starter. During one of Dave Matter's chats last year I asked him what he though the numbers would look like if Lock wasn't hanging in to make throws due to knowing he couldn't be touched and seeing something other than Cover 2. He didn't want to answer that question and said some bullshite about his magic 8 ball not being handy. Fast forward to the season and Lock looks terrible.

I don't think he sees the field fast enough and anticipates separation poorly. Both of those lead to poorly placed balls. This things are fortunately things that can be coached. James Franklin's numbers his first two years as a starter weren't great in terms of throwing the ball. The summer before his SR year he spends time in Cali with a QB coach. He missed 4 games that if he just hits his season averages in, he probably gets named a Heisman Finalist.

I really like Andy Hill but Pinkel made a huge mistake in allowing Henson to hire Pat Washington instead of a QB coach. It weakened the play and development at two positions and probably cost the offensive staff their jobs.

People aren't happy about a lot of things right now but Lock has taken some strides this year. You can toggle between this year and last looking at his averages vs P-5 teams and it's a step in the right direction.
Drew Lock Passing splits

The Wrs take some steps and it isn't unreasonable to see next year being a solid season.