Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth said Monday that there wouldn't be much of an adjustment whether it is Cassel or Brodie Croyle or Tyler Thigpen.
"We're going to do what we do week in and week out, no matter who we're playing against or what's going on in their locker room," Foxworth said. "I think we're one of the more stable teams defensively. It's going to be what it's going to be for the Ravens, no matter what's going on."
Cassel is the centerpiece of the Chiefs' rebuilding project after he signed a six-year contract for a guaranteed $28 million. Last season with the New England Patriots, the longtime backup took over for the injured Tom Brady and threw for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns.
"What he did last year with the Patriots was amazing," Foxworth said. "Just to see that he has that ability garners a tremendous amount of respect. We look forward to the opportunity to match up against him."
Unlike the Chiefs, there is little uncertainty with the Ravens. The only players who are considered questionable are right guard Marshal Yanda (knee) and backup tight end L.J. Smith (hamstring).
Compared with Kansas City, the Ravens faced few bumps in breezing through the preseason. They won all four games while outscoring teams 84-39.
"You can't hold much stock in the preseason," Mason said.
In the past five years, six teams have gone undefeated in the preseason. One finished with a winning record (the 2005 Denver Broncos) in the regular season, and another (the 2008 Detroit Lions) lost every game.
"What you want to do is get better each and every preseason game and not get any major injuries," Mason said. "Once the regular season starts, you put all that stuff behind you and try your best to keep the ball rolling."
Harbaugh, though, stressed that the Ravens don't expect to pick up where they left off last season.
"To say we have one more step is absurd," Harbaugh said. "If we want to get to that point, we got to take 18 or 19 steps."
He then added: "It's unspoken that the ultimate goal is to win a championship. We want to become champions. We aren't trying to get somewhere. We want to be something. I think if our guys focus on that every day, we have a chance to win a championship or two."
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Playing as favorites
The Ravens are favored to beat the Kansas City Chiefs by 10 1/2 points. A look at the previous times the Ravens were favored in the season opener:
Yr. Opponent Spread Result
'06 vs. Oakland -2 Ravens, 19-14
'04 at Cleveland -3 Browns, 20-3
'02 at Carolina -2 Panthers, 10-7
'01 vs. Chicago -10 Ravens, 17-6
'00 at Pittsburgh -3 Ravens, 16-0
Preseasons a precursor?
How the other teams who went undefeated in the preseason fared in the regular season since 2004:
Yr. Team Reg. season
2008 Detroit 0-16
2006 Cincinnati 8-8
2006 N.Y. Giants* 8-8
2006 Carolina 8-8
2005 Denver* 13-3
2004 Carolina 7-9
* Reached playoffs
Ravens inside
* New live mascots to make their debut today PG 3
* Western Tech alum Foxworth excited about home debut PG 3
Season opener
CHIEFS@RAVENS
Sunday, 1 p.m.
* TV: Ch. 13
* Radio: 97.9 FM, 1090 AM
* Line: Ravens by 10 1/2
