Ravens rookie Fagnano struggles in 33-10 loss to Jaguars

Baltimore Ravens fans watched their team fall to 33-10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. It was the fourth consecutive defeat for the franchise. The loss highlighted the struggles of Joe Fagnano, who started his first NFL game under difficult circumstances.

Fagnano had only three days to prepare for the start. He stepped in after two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley were placed on injured reserve. The 25-year-old undrafted rookie completed 10 of 18 passes for 60 yards. He also threw two interceptions.

“I think anytime you’ve got a quick turnaround, it (poses) its own challenges,” Fagnano said. “But I’m not here to sit up here and make excuses. I mean, they were on a short week as well. Credit to the Jaguars, they played well. Just didn’t execute today.”

Coach Jesse Minter said the front office is expected to add Jacoby Brissett before Tuesday’s trade deadline. Brissett started Arizona’s first eight games before losing the job to Gardner Minshew. That move likely returns Fagnano to the bench before Monday night’s Week 10 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I know that our front office and ownership are going to do what’s necessary to give us a chance,” Minter said. “Tons of respect for Joe and how he operated and how he played. … Anybody that comes in, we’ll see how it goes, and we’ll see where it takes us.”

The Ravens used a Wildcat formation led by running back Derrick Henry to protect Fagnano. He entered training camp fourth on the depth chart after Skylar Thompson’s season-ending injury. The strategy worked until shortly before halftime. Trevor Lawrence connected for a 50-yard touchdown to Parker Washington. That play stretched Jacksonville’s lead to 17-3.

Minter noted that the team was ready to play, but the explosive play before the half broke the game open. After halftime, Fagnano threw interceptions to Montaric Brown and Jourdan Lewis on similar out routes toward Zay Flowers. Teammates committed four false-start penalties. Tight end Mark Andrews fumbled a snap on a fourth-down attempt in the third quarter. Fagnano said the plan to run with Henry made sense given the short week, but the team needs to sustain drives and make better decisions.