3 Ravens players who control their destiny going into 2nd preseason game

A few days ago, the Baltimore Ravens opened up their 2023 preseason like they have for the past eight years: with a victory. It was their 24th consecutive preseason victory, to be exact, which is an NFL record.

The win over the Philadelphia Eagles saw a few things unfold at some key positions.

We now know a bit more about where this roster is headed, who has a leg up in certain battles and which players should feel a bit more confident as the Ravens head into Week 2 of their preseason against the Washington Commanders. Let's highlight three of those players who should feel good after the team's first preseason action.

John Simpson, G

There has been a competition throughout Ravens camp for the starting left guard position, and it looks as though now it is between John Simpson and rookie sixth-round pick Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu. Ben Cleveland appears to be out of the competition altogether, now.

When looking at how Simpson and Aumavae-Laulu played during the Eagles game, we recently wrote that it appears Simpson has the current edge. Simpson was much more impressive, specifically in pass protection. That's an area that matters more than most, because this Ravens team needs to keep Lamar Jackson upright and healthy.

If that's the case, then Simpson controls his destiny going forward. Not that it's a "one mistake, and you're out" type of scenario, but Simpson has to continue playing well and limit mistakes if he wants to ensure he earns the starting job.