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Ravens quarterback Joe Fagano’s wife was lone bright spot in otherwise nightmarish outing
Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano’s first career start for Baltimore ended in a 33-10 defeat by Jacksonville, with his wife Lydia offering encouragement before the game and cheering from the sideline. The outing was difficult because Fagnano was injured, had little practice time with the starting offence and faced a strong Jaguars defence in heavy rain.
Fagnano completed 10 of 18 passes for 60 yards and threw two interceptions. He had been Baltimore’s third-choice quarterback behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, and had not taken practice reps that week. The article says the Ravens were reportedly acquiring Jacoby Brissett, making another start for Fagnano unlikely; Baltimore, then 4-5, was due to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10.
In short
- Joe Fagnano’s first start ended in a 33-10 loss.
- He threw for 60 yards and two interceptions.
- His wife Lydia supported him before and during the game.
Explained simply
In American football, the quarterback leads the offence and throws passes to move the team towards scoring. Joe Fagnano was an undrafted rookie, meaning no team selected him in the NFL draft, and had been Baltimore’s third-choice quarterback behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
A quarterback usually needs time to practise with the starting players, but Fagnano had not taken practice reps with them that week. He also played while injured and in heavy rain against Jacksonville’s defence, making the circumstances of his first start relevant to understanding his performance.
Quarterbacks are central to how NFL teams run their offences, and injuries or changes in the depth chart can create opportunities for less experienced players. Fagnano’s place behind Jackson and Huntley, alongside the reported move to bring in Jacoby Brissett, helps explain why this start may not lead to a regular role.