Jaguars Crush Ravens as Fignano Struggles at Quarterback

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Ravens Falter With Fignano as Jaguars Strengthen Their AFC Standing

Fignano endured an extremely difficult night after being thrust into action following injuries to Lamar Jackson and Huntley. After working his whole life, playing several years in college and getting his opportunity in the NFL, he delivered one of the poorest quarterback performances we have witnessed.

Still, the blame does not fall entirely on a 25-year-old emergency quarterback who was never expected to be in this position. Derrick Henry taking direct snaps on the first play was an early indication that the Ravens could be in for a long night. Fignano appeared to be set up to fail, and barring another injury crisis, he may not receive another opportunity. Regardless of the result, he can always say that he played in an NFL game.

The Ravens’ overall effort was more concerning. With a defensive-minded head coach expected to elevate the organization, the team needed to play above and beyond under difficult circumstances. Instead, Baltimore repeatedly hurt itself with penalties, fumbles and mental mistakes.

Allowing a 60-yard Parker Washington pass with 20 seconds remaining before halftime was particularly damaging. The Ravens eventually crumbled, and the defense appeared to pack it in once the game was out of reach. Nothing from the performance suggested that Jacoby Brissett will arrive and save the season, although he could produce second-half statistics that make games look closer.

Jacksonville deserves credit for taking care of business in a game it needed to win. Trevor Lawrence avoided the costly turnovers that could have allowed Baltimore to stay competitive and played well. The Jaguars did not need to do anything exceptional against Baltimore or Indianapolis, but they decisively beat two struggling teams in consecutive weeks.

Jacksonville has established itself as a force in the NFL and an unequivocal top-three team in the AFC, with a case to rank even higher. Teams can only play the opponents on their schedule, and the Jaguars are doing what teams such as Dallas and the Rams have not consistently done: crushing weaker opposition.

Baltimore is now fighting to finish at .500. Chasing a better draft pick might be in the team’s best interest, but it would be difficult to sell the fan base on not caring about a game against Pittsburgh because of the intensity of that rivalry.