THEY DON'T WANT THE DRAMA: Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger are both going out of their way to downplay reports of a feud between them that date back to Whisenhunt's days in Pittsburgh. Both of them had nice things to say to each other yesterday, and certainly the Steelers had plenty of success with the two of them working together.

But the history is hard to ignore -- Roethlisberger avoided his former tutor before and after the Steelers' 2007 game against the Cardinals (Big Ben also had a lousy game that day as the Steelers lost). When Whisenhunt said after leaving Pittsburgh that Roethlisberger lacked confidence at times, his former quarterback shot back: "I don't agree with Whis. There were a lot of things I didn't agree with Whis about, and that's another one."

No matter the opponent, Roethlisberger would be coming into this Super Bowl with something to prove. There is a widespread perception that the Steelers have come this far only because of their defense. Many Pittsburgh fans believe Roethlisberger has lost something since his terrific first two seasons. His previous Super Bowl performance was mediocre at best. Despite his assertions to the contrary, you'd better believe that having Whisenhunt on the other sideline is just going to be more motivation for Roethlisberger.

ROMO VOWS TO DO BETTER: Finally, someone in Dallas is showing some accountability. And the man is none other than quarterback Tony Romo, who has heard the criticisms of people like Troy Aikman and vowed to become a better team leader (Dallas Morning News).

BUT THE TEAM IS STILL A JOKE: And today we hear that the Cowboys will reserve a spot on their training camp roster for the man who wins a new reality show being launched by former wide receiver Michael Irvin.

OFFSEASON WORKOUT: Matt Light said yesterday that the Patriots' bodies can use a little rest and relaxation -- as they have been getting this postseason -- but Light hasn't been taking it easy all the time. He will be in a Super Bowl commercial for SoBe Lifewater, along with Ray Lewis and Justin Tuck. The Globe's Mike Reiss posted some photos from the spot, and it looks like a strange one. Light also said yesterday that he wasn't worried about Bill Belichick spreading himself too thin in the absence of Scott Pioli and Josh McDaniels.

TOM 'BLEEP' BRADY: So Tom Brady goes on the radio for the first time since his Week 1 knee injury, and the thing that gets the most attention is that he says a bad word. You can hear the entire spot at this link, if you're so inclined. This story actually reminds me a little bit of last year, when Brady was saying nothing about the foot injury that some of us feared would affect his play in the Super Bowl.

LET'S RAISE OUR VOICES: Kerry Byrne of WEEI.com is in agreement with my position that playoff home games should go to the team with the better record, regardless of whether or not that team is a division winner. I also agree with him about reducing the number of divisions, although I would go back to the old six-division format (with two divisions being larger than the other four), rather than a four, eight-team division setup. I'm not convinced, though, that a mediocre team like the Cardinals necessarily will produce mediocre Super Bowl rankings. The Super Bowl is a national holiday of sorts that seems to be immune from true ratings concerns. If the Cardinals and Steelers game is competitive, the ratings should be very good. And if the nine-win team was the New York Giants or New York Jets, no one would be worried about a small audience in any event.

KANSAS CITY SURPRISE? ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan could be a surprise candidate to replace Herm Edwards as Chiefs coach. GM Scott Pioli has not yet fired Edwards, but sentiment seems to be growing that Edwards will be gone soon. Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley is also thought to be a man of interest in Kansas City.

TOO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE: The Cowboys and the Jets are reportedly among the teams interested in linebacker Ray Lewis, but Baltimore Sun beat writer Mike Preston says he believes Lewis will return to the Ravens, even if Baltimore has to put the franchise tag on him to achieve that.

PETA AND VICK: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is not only withdrawing its offer to shoot an anti-dogfighting public service announcement featuring Michael Vick, it is asking the NFL to demand that Vick undergo a brain scan to determine whether he is a psychopath before the league reinstates the former Falcons quarterback (AFP).

COACHING MOVES: The Colts will reportedly hire Bucs assistant Larry Coyer as their new defensive coordinator (WISH-TV).