Ravens' rookie Joe Fagnano completes first NFL start in 33-10 loss
With Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley injured, the 25-year-old undrafted quarterback took over on short notice but threw two interceptions in Baltimore's fourth straight defeat.
By Yasmin Farouk ·
Joe Fagnano completed 10 of 18 passes for 60 yards and threw two interceptions during Baltimore's 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. The 25-year-old undrafted rookie started his first professional game after two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley were placed on injured reserve.
Fagnano had only three days to prepare for the start. He entered training camp fourth on the quarterback depth chart, behind Skylar Thompson, who suffered a season-ending injury before the regular season began. With both Jackson and Huntley unavailable, the team leaned heavily on a Wildcat formation led by running back Derrick Henry to limit the passing load on the new starter.
The strategy initially held the game close, but Jacksonville took control before the break. Trevor Lawrence connected with Parker Washington on a 50-yard touchdown pass, stretching the Jaguars' lead to 17-3 shortly before halftime. Coach Jesse Minter identified that explosive play as the moment the game opened up.
In the second half, Fagnano struggled to extend drives. He threw interceptions to Montaric Brown and Jourdan Lewis on similar out routes toward tight end Zay Flowers. The offense also faced penalties, committing four false starts. Tight end Mark Andrews fumbled a snap on a fourth-down attempt in the third quarter.
Fagnano acknowledged the challenges of the short week and the altered game plan. He stated that the team planned to get the ball to Henry often and that they executed well in spurts but needed to sustain drives and make better decisions.
Before Tuesday's trade deadline, the Ravens are expected to add Jacoby Brissett. Brissett started Arizona's first eight games before losing the starting job to Gardner Minshew. If the trade is completed, Fagnano will likely return to the bench for Baltimore's Monday night Week 10 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Minter said the front office will do what is necessary to give the team a chance. He expressed respect for Fagnano's performance and said the team will see how things go with any new additions.
