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WHERE ARE THE REAL RAVENS FANS? TOP 10 QUARTERBACK OPTIONS AS BALTIMORE FACES A QB CRISIS
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The Baltimore Ravens are facing a quarterback crisis, and the questions surrounding this roster are getting louder by the day. With Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley injured for the foreseeable future, Baltimore suddenly finds itself searching for answers at the most important position in football.
Joe Fagnano could be asked to carry the load, but even his availability for Thursday is uncertain. Austin Reed, who spent training camp with Baltimore, has been signed as another option.
So where do the Ravens go from here?
Let's be honest: nobody wants to see Lamar Jackson injured, and nobody wants to watch a Ravens season fall apart because the team cannot find a capable quarterback. But this is the NFL. Injuries happen, depth gets tested, and organizations are expected to have contingency plans.
The Ravens need to make a decision quickly. Do they trust the quarterbacks already in the building, bring in a veteran, or take a chance on somebody who might still be available?
And while we are talking about quarterbacks, there is another question worth asking: Where are the real Ravens fans?
This is the moment when being a fan means more than celebrating Lamar Jackson touchdowns, wearing a purple jersey, or talking about Super Bowl expectations. This is when the organization needs support, honest criticism, and accountability.
1. The quarterback situation is worse than anybody wanted to admit
The 36-10 loss to Buffalo was bad enough. Losing Lamar Jackson on the opening offensive possession made matters considerably worse. Jackson suffered a right thumb injury that requires surgery, and Baltimore plans to place him on injured reserve.
Tyler Huntley also left the game with a toe injury and is unlikely to be available Thursday.
Then came the third quarterback, Joe Fagnano.
Fagnano entered the game without the benefit of regular first-team preparation. He finished 10-of-21 for 91 yards, one interception and a lost fumble. He also dealt with a lower-body injury after taking a hit.
The Ravens officially brought Austin Reed back, signing him to the practice squad. Reed already knows the organization, spent training camp and preseason in Baltimore, and has familiarity with the offensive system.
That gives Baltimore several names to work with, but the immediate concern is Jacksonville on Thursday night.
The bigger concern is what happens if Fagnano cannot play, Huntley remains unavailable, and Jackson misses an extended period.
The Ravens cannot simply hope somebody gets healthy. They need a legitimate plan.
2. Top 10 quarterback options for the Baltimore Ravens
These rankings consider experience, potential acquisition cost, familiarity with Baltimore's offense, mobility and the ability to help the Ravens remain competitive.
1. Tyson Bagent — Chicago Bears
Bagent makes the most sense as a potential immediate acquisition. He has athletic ability, mobility and experience operating an NFL offense. He also has familiarity with offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's coaching background in Chicago.
Bagent isn't Lamar Jackson, and nobody should expect him to replicate Lamar's production. But Baltimore needs somebody who can operate the offense without requiring an entire system overhaul.
The Ravens should explore a reasonable draft-pick offer before the trade deadline.
2. Jacoby Brissett — Arizona Cardinals
Brissett brings something Baltimore desperately needs: experience.
He has started numerous NFL games and understands how to manage an offense. He is a veteran who can make adjustments, read defenses and provide leadership in the huddle.
He isn't going to give Baltimore the explosive running threat that Lamar provides. However, he can give the Ravens a more traditional passing attack while the coaching staff adjusts its offensive approach.
3. Kirk Cousins — Las Vegas Raiders
Cousins is the experienced veteran who could stabilize the position immediately.
He has extensive starting experience, understands defensive coverages and can operate a traditional passing offense.
The problem is the financial and trade implications. Baltimore would have to work through the compensation and salary implications.
This is a more expensive option, but the Ravens need to decide whether they are trying to save the season or simply survive the next few weeks.
4. Anthony Richardson — Indianapolis Colts
Richardson offers the athletic upside to make Baltimore's offensive identity more recognizable.
The Ravens have built much of their offense around quarterback mobility, option concepts and creating additional numbers in the running game.
However, there are legitimate concerns about his accuracy, development and injury history. Baltimore would be taking a chance on potential rather than bringing in a proven solution.
If the Colts are willing to move him, DeCosta should at least make the phone call.
5. Joe Milton III — Philadelphia Eagles
Milton has an impressive arm and the physical tools to make difficult throws.
His arm strength and mobility could appeal to a coaching staff trying to maintain some of the explosive elements of Baltimore's offense.
The concern is consistency and limited NFL experience. Baltimore would need to determine whether he can handle a meaningful role on short notice.
He is a high-upside gamble, not necessarily the quarterback I would trust to carry the offense on Thursday.
6. Jimmy Garoppolo — Veteran option
Garoppolo offers experience in high-pressure situations and has played in big games.
He understands the importance of getting the ball out quickly. Baltimore would need to adjust its offense to his strengths.
He isn't a mobile quarterback, and the offensive line has already struggled to protect the pocket. But if the Ravens want a veteran who can come in and manage the passing game, he deserves consideration if available.
7. Nick Mullens — Veteran option
Mullens is an experienced backup who has started NFL games.
He is not a flashy name, but this is not the time to chase a headline. Baltimore needs somebody who can learn the offense, communicate with the receivers and make decisions.
He could be a practical short-term addition.
8. Jake Browning — Veteran option
Browning has demonstrated that he can step into a starting role and move an NFL offense.
His experience with Cincinnati gives him familiarity with AFC North football and the challenges of facing Baltimore's divisional opponents.
He isn't a long-term answer, but he could provide competition and insurance behind Fagnano.
9. Brandon Allen — Veteran option
Allen is a veteran backup who has spent time in several NFL systems.
He isn't going to generate much excitement among the fan base, but he understands the responsibilities of being a backup quarterback.
The Ravens need another experienced arm in the building. He could provide insurance while the team works through the injuries to its top three quarterbacks.
10. Austin Reed — Baltimore Ravens
Reed is the familiar face who could become an important part of this situation.
He knows the organization, has worked with the coaching staff and has already demonstrated some ability during preseason.
His UFL production with Dallas gives the Ravens another reason to keep evaluating him.
The important distinction is that Reed is currently on the practice squad. Baltimore would have to elevate or sign him to the active roster before he could play Thursday.
He might not be the answer, but the Ravens know more about him than they would about a quarterback arriving from another organization with only a few days to prepare.
3. Don't overlook Joe Fagnano
There is one quarterback who isn't on my outside-target list, but who could determine the direction of this entire situation: Joe Fagnano.
Fagnano deserves a fair evaluation. He had an outstanding preseason, leading all NFL quarterbacks with 509 passing yards in three preseason games. He threw three touchdowns and one interception and recorded a 100.4 passer rating.
That production matters. It shows that he can perform when given opportunities. However, preseason football and a Thursday night regular-season game against Jacksonville are two completely different challenges.
His NFL debut against Buffalo was difficult. He was thrown into a game without the benefit of extensive preparation, facing a defense that was putting tremendous pressure on Baltimore's offensive line.
I am not ready to write him off based on one appearance.
But the injury complicates everything. Baltimore cannot afford to put an injured rookie behind an offensive line that has struggled to protect its quarterback.
My recommendation is simple: Give Fagnano every opportunity to start if he is healthy, but bring in a veteran immediately. Don't force him onto the field simply because there is nobody else.
4. What should Eric DeCosta actually do?
This is where the front office needs to demonstrate its ability to manage adversity.
Eric DeCosta has to make three decisions.
First, find out what Tyler Huntley's timetable looks like.
Huntley knows the Ravens' offense, understands Lamar's role and has experience starting games. If he can return soon, he should remain part of the short-term plan. But Baltimore shouldn't rush him back and risk making the injury worse.
Second, protect Joe Fagnano.
If Fagnano starts Thursday, the Ravens need to make his job easier. Run Derrick Henry, use short passes, incorporate tight ends and get the football out quickly.
Stop asking the offensive line to protect for extended passing plays.
Third, pursue a legitimate quarterback.
My first call would be Chicago about Tyson Bagent. My second would be Arizona about Jacoby Brissett. If those conversations go nowhere, explore the veteran market.
The Ravens should also consider whether Austin Reed deserves an opportunity beyond being a practice-squad insurance policy.
There is no guarantee any of these moves will save the season. But doing nothing is not an acceptable strategy.
5. Thursday night against Jacksonville is bigger than one game
The Jaguars are not going to feel sorry for Baltimore. They have their own objectives, and they will recognize that the Ravens are vulnerable at quarterback.
Jacksonville will likely test the offensive line, pressure the pocket and force Baltimore's quarterback to make difficult decisions.
That is why the coaching staff needs to simplify the offense.
Derrick Henry must become the centerpiece. The running game has to create manageable third downs. The defense needs to generate turnovers, and Baltimore's special teams must give the offense favorable field position.
The Ravens cannot expect a backup quarterback to replace everything Lamar Jackson brings to the field.
They need complementary football.
If Fagnano plays, let him operate a manageable offense. If Huntley becomes available, use his familiarity with the system. If Reed gets elevated, prepare him to contribute.
Most importantly, stop putting the entire burden on the quarterback position.
6. Where are the REAL Ravens fans?
Now let's get to the question that needs to be asked.
Where are the real Ravens fans?
Everybody loves Lamar Jackson when he is throwing touchdowns, making defenders miss and putting Baltimore on national television. Everybody wants to talk about Super Bowl championships when the Ravens are winning.
But what happens when things go wrong?
What happens when the quarterback room is completely depleted? What happens when the offensive line struggles, the defense cannot get off the field, and the coaching staff has to find answers with a short week of preparation?
Are we going to abandon the team?
I understand the frustration. Ravens fans have every right to question the front office, coaching staff and roster construction. Losing 36-10 to Buffalo was unacceptable. The offensive line has serious questions to answer, and the quarterback injuries have exposed just how quickly things can fall apart.
But supporting the Ravens doesn't mean pretending everything is perfect.
It means demanding better while continuing to support the organization.
Real fans can criticize Eric DeCosta. Real fans can question Jesse Minter. Real fans can demand accountability from the offensive line and coaching staff. They can disagree about quarterback decisions.
What they shouldn't do is pretend that one injury suddenly makes them less of a Ravens fan.
This is the NFL, and adversity is part of the game.
Baltimore has been fortunate to have Lamar Jackson leading the franchise. But this organization cannot build a roster that only works when one particular player is healthy.
That's the bigger problem.
If the Ravens want to compete for championships, they need better depth, better protection and a more reliable contingency plan at quarterback.
The front office has to answer for that.
7. My final verdict: The Ravens need a quarterback, but they need a plan even more
Here is how I would approach the situation:
Immediate starter: Joe Fagnano, if healthy.
Backup option: Austin Reed.
Veteran acquisition: Jacoby Brissett.
Preferred trade target: Tyson Bagent.
Long-term consideration: Anthony Richardson.
The Ravens should not panic and surrender valuable draft capital for a quarterback simply because they have an emergency.
But they cannot sit around waiting for everybody to get healthy, either.
Lamar Jackson's injury is a major setback. Huntley's injury creates another problem, and Fagnano's availability makes Thursday's preparation even more complicated.
Austin Reed gives Baltimore another familiar face, but the organization needs to determine whether he is ready for a meaningful NFL opportunity.
My biggest concern isn't simply who starts against Jacksonville. It's whether this organization has enough depth to survive an extended absence from its franchise quarterback.
Baltimore needs answers, and it needs them now.
To the Ravens fans: This is when your support matters.
You don't have to agree with every decision. You don't have to pretend the team is playing good football. You don't have to defend every move made by the front office.
But if you're a Ravens fan, stand behind the team while demanding better.
The season isn't going to be saved by social media arguments, excuses or blaming one player. It's going to take better football, better decisions and accountability throughout the organization.
WHERE ARE THE REAL RAVENS FANS?
Because the Ravens need their fans now more than ever.
RAVENS FLOCK!
RAVORI SPORTS TAKE: My first call is Tyson Bagent. My second is Jacoby Brissett. Give Joe Fagnano an opportunity if he is healthy, and don't overlook Austin Reed. But above everything else, Eric DeCosta needs to fix the quarterback depth problem before it costs Baltimore whatever remains of its season.
Ravori Sports — Opinionated Baltimore Sports Coverage.
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