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Baltimore's quarterback situation has become a headache, but Thursday offers an opportunity to find out what Joe Fagnano can actually do.
With Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley injured, the undrafted rookie is expected to make his first NFL start. The Ravens are sitting at 4-4 and have lost three straight games. That's hardly an ideal situation for a rookie making his first appearance under center.
Still, I wouldn't rush to judge him.
Baltimore needs to make life as comfortable as possible for Fagnano. Quick passes, manageable third downs and plenty of Derrick Henry should be the starting point. Let Henry take some pressure off the young quarterback, give Fagnano some easy completions and see how he responds when the game starts moving faster.
There's a difference between asking a rookie to manage a game and expecting him to rescue a struggling team. Baltimore shouldn't confuse the two.
If Fagnano struggles, it doesn't automatically mean he's incapable of becoming a useful NFL quarterback. He's stepping into a difficult situation with little room for error. That's a pretty unfair audition for anyone, never mind an undrafted rookie.
The Ravens need answers at quarterback, and Thursday might provide a few. But they should give Fagnano a genuine opportunity before deciding whether he belongs in their plans.
What do you think? Should Baltimore keep things simple and build around Derrick Henry, or give Fagnano more freedom to show what he can do in his first NFL start?
With Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley injured, the undrafted rookie is expected to make his first NFL start. The Ravens are sitting at 4-4 and have lost three straight games. That's hardly an ideal situation for a rookie making his first appearance under center.
Still, I wouldn't rush to judge him.
Baltimore needs to make life as comfortable as possible for Fagnano. Quick passes, manageable third downs and plenty of Derrick Henry should be the starting point. Let Henry take some pressure off the young quarterback, give Fagnano some easy completions and see how he responds when the game starts moving faster.
There's a difference between asking a rookie to manage a game and expecting him to rescue a struggling team. Baltimore shouldn't confuse the two.
If Fagnano struggles, it doesn't automatically mean he's incapable of becoming a useful NFL quarterback. He's stepping into a difficult situation with little room for error. That's a pretty unfair audition for anyone, never mind an undrafted rookie.
The Ravens need answers at quarterback, and Thursday might provide a few. But they should give Fagnano a genuine opportunity before deciding whether he belongs in their plans.
What do you think? Should Baltimore keep things simple and build around Derrick Henry, or give Fagnano more freedom to show what he can do in his first NFL start?
