Quarterback Absence: Ravens Fall 33-10 to Jaguars in Baltimore
A 25-year-old rookie starter threw for only 60 yards as the Jaguars extended their lead in the AFC South.
By Grace Sullivan ·
The Baltimore Ravens allowed 33 points against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night, marking the first time in franchise history that the team has lost three consecutive games by a margin of at least 20 points. The defeat dropped Baltimore to a 4-5 record while Jacksonville improved to 6-2, solidifying the Jaguars' position in the AFC South.
The Ravens' struggles at the quarterback position have deepened over the past month. Baltimore lost 35-13 to Cincinnati and 36-10 to Buffalo in the two weeks prior to Thursday's game. With starters Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley on injured reserve, the team turned to rookie Joe Fagnano for this matchup. Fagnano, 25, had made his professional debut only the previous week against Buffalo.
The Jaguars prepared specifically for Baltimore's likely reliance on running back Derrick Henry in the Wildcat formation. Jacksonville coach Liam Coen stated that the team practiced those plays extensively. Trevor Lawrence completed passes for 242 yards and a touchdown, leading the offense that controlled the pace of the game on a rainy evening in Baltimore.
Jacksonville established an early lead with a 77-yard opening drive that concluded with a 1-yard touchdown run by Bhayshul Tuten. The score stood at 17-3 at the half after Lawrence connected with Parker Washington for a 50-yard pass with under a minute remaining in the second quarter. Baltimore managed only one field goal in the first half.
The Ravens attempted to create separation in the second half but faced defensive pressure. Fagnano was intercepted twice in the third and fourth quarters and went 10 of 18 for the game. A fumble on a kick return also resulted in a Jacksonville score, extending the lead to 33-3 with 7 minutes remaining.
Baltimore scored its only second-half touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Justice Hill ran 65 yards for a score, breaking a 24-game Jacksonville streak of preventing a 75-yard rusher. Hill finished the game with 85 yards on nine carries. The Ravens also lost safety Kyle Hamilton to a hip injury and did not have starting cornerback Nate Wiggins due to an illness.
Jesse Minter, the Baltimore coach, told players there would be no excuses for the team's performance. The Ravens are currently waiting for Jacoby Brissett to join the roster. Baltimore hosts the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 16, while Jacksonville travels to Tennessee on Nov. 15.
