OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Wide receiver Steve Smith is among the most fiery players in the NFL. Emotions will run especially high Sunday, when Smith plays his former team, the Carolina Panthers.

Does Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh play to speak to Smith this week about his often-heated behavior?

"My advice to Steve would be, 'Shock the world. Surprise everybody. Don't even say a word the whole game -- go into a shell!,'" Harbaugh said.

The chances of that actually happening are slim. Remember, it was six months ago when Smith delivered this warning -- and a quite graphic one at that -- about a reunion with the Panthers, "Put your goggles on because there's going to be blood and guts everywhere."

Even Harbaugh doesn't really believe anyone will see a subdued Smith on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.

"I don't think he’s going to take that advice," Harbaugh said. "I think he's going to be himself, and Steve knows how to control his emotions. He's going to be fired up, but he knows how to focus it the right way."