For Ravens quarterback Joe Fagnano, a supportive moment with his wife, Lydia, was a rare bright spot in a difficult first career start.
Before Baltimore’s 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Fagnano saw Lydia on the sideline during warmups. They hugged and kissed, and she encouraged him to enjoy the moment. Despite the rain, she was later seen cheering whenever the Ravens’ offense earned a first down.
Fagnano had said earlier in the week that Lydia helped him prepare for games. The two would go over plays during walkthroughs at home, he explained, and she had become familiar with much of the playbook.
With Fagnano set to make his first start, Lydia also worked on learning the play calls and signals, he said with a smile.
The undrafted rookie faced a challenging situation. He was playing through an ankle injury against a Jaguars defense that had allowed the second-fewest points per game in the NFL, and the game was played in heavy rain.
Fagnano also had little time to prepare with the starters. He had been Baltimore’s third quarterback behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, and had not taken practice reps that week. Much of his work with the starting offense came in games.
He completed 10 of 18 passes for 60 yards and threw two interceptions. The start could be his only one this season, unless Jacoby Brissett, whom Baltimore is reportedly acquiring, is unable to play.
The 4-5 Ravens will try to recover when they face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10.
