Domonique Foxworth has played against Dwayne Bowe three times in the past two seasons and has a wealth of information on the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver.
Foxworth, however, doesn't plan on relying on that information when Bowe and the Chiefs visit the Ravens on Sunday in the season opener for both teams at M&T Bank Stadium.
"It's not more of an advantage than watching film," the cornerback said of his previous matchups with Bowe. "I think that's the best way to prepare, go into the game with no preconceived notions about an individual. Just watch the film and use that to prepare."
The 23rd overall pick in the 2007 draft, Bowe has lived up to expectations, leading all rookies in catches (70) and yards (995) in 2007 and ranking 10th in the NFL in receptions (86) last season.
Bowe struggled to adjust to new head coach Todd Haley, who demoted the receiver to third string during training camp. Since then, however, Bowe has regained his first-string status and become the best receiving option for Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle or Tyler Thigpen.
"I think Dwayne has made very good progress," Haley said. "He started out a little slow, but he's starting to get it. He's starting to get it and understand what's expected of him, and I think Dwayne wants to be good, and that usually gives him a chance at success."
Foxworth said he and Fabian Washington will split time on Bowe, with occasional doses of Chris Carr and Frank Walker. Foxworth expressed confidence in the cornerback corps against Bowe.
"I think he has all the tools to be an exceptional receiver in this league," Foxworth said. "But we have more than two corners with all the skill to match up against a guy like that."
Ngata is fine
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said he doesn't expect his sprained left ankle to keep him out of Sunday's game. .
Ngata, who was listed on Wednesday's injury report as being limited in practice because of an issue with his foot, said he twisted the ankle during practice last week but added that the injury is minor.
"It's fine," said Ngata, who was limited Thursday. "It doesn't really bother me. I'm just being cautious with it and making sure that nothing goes wrong."
Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo said he underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy last Friday on the second toe of his right foot that he sprained the second day of training camp.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy involves injecting platelets with white blood cells into the affected area and allowing the platelets to heal the injury. Ayanbadejo, who has played in 96 consecutive games, said he hopes he will play Sunday.
"I'll go back three steps and hopefully I'll go forward eight steps when it's all said and done," said Ayanbadejo, who was upgraded to full participation Thursday after being limited Wednesday. "It's a little tender today, but hopefully by Sunday, it should be ready to go."
Lewis: Seamless transition
Linebacker Ray Lewis said there should be a seamless transition in the defense's first regular-season game under new coordinator Greg Mattison, who replaces Rex Ryan. Under Ryan, the Ravens' defense never finished lower than No. 6 in the NFL.
"Do you love Rex? Yeah," Lewis said Wednesday. "But Rex has never made a play when you step on the field. No defensive coordinator has. Bottom line, the players make plays. We have a core group that is dedicated to each other. Anytime you have that type of chemistry inside, it's almost impossible not to come back and have the same defense."
Reed impingement
Safety Ed Reed said the nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder continues to affect the way he plays.
Reed, who led the NFL with nine interceptions and returned two for touchdowns last season, has been dealing with this injury for more than a year.
Asked about his health Wednesday, he said: "I'm as ready as I'm going to be. I still take precautions and try to play smart. I try not to really worry about it as much and let my mind focus on what we have to do."
End zone
