Ravens: 4 players with the most to prove against Washington
By Justin Fried
2. Ben Powers, OG, Ravens
Ben Powers has, somewhat surprisingly, taken the lead in the race for the starting left guard job. Most of that, however, has simply been due to the fact that his competition hasn’t been playing.
Presumed starter, rookie Ben Cleveland, suffered a concussion recently and upon his return to practice, left early again with another injury. It seems unlikely that he plays in tonight’s game.
Meanwhile, Tyre Phillips has also battled injuries throughout camp and will likely sit out tonight as well. That leaves Powers as the odds-on favorite to start Week 1 at left guard.
But he isn’t just going to be handed anything. He has to earn it.
Powers is being given a golden opportunity to win the starting job, and he’ll have the chance to solidify his role once and for all with a good showing tonight.
Perhaps more importantly, he can further the distance between himself and Cleveland/Phillips if he impresses the coaching staff against a stout Washington front.
A middling performance might be enough to earn him the job, but if he comes out on Saturday and dominates, he might have a longer leash.
Powers is somewhat of the forgotten man in the Ravens’ offensive line picture. But he’s a versatile piece who shouldn’t be overlooked.
He has a chance to prove that to the coaching staff tonight.