Next Bus Stop: Indianapolis

In Cincinnati, the fans of section 108 treated us with respect. (Even after I dumped an entire beer all over the place watching the flea flicker play that put a fork in the Bengals' season.) A big thanks to those fans, as many Steeler fans were harassed that day. I realize that home teams don't want the opposition's fans there, but to make public statements about it is just plain dangerous. Mix in the intensity of the playoffs and about seven hours worth of drinking, and it can get ugly.

As Cincinnati did last weekend, the front office of the Steelers' latest playoff opponent is attempting to erect a roadblock in front of the Steelers Nation, whose members are known to invade opponents' stadiums by the thousands.

The Colts administration sent an e-mail requesting that ticket holders keep their home dome a "sea of blue." The Indianapolis Star reported that the message read, "We are asking those of you who have tickets, but cannot attend the game, to do everything possible to make sure that your tickets end up in the hands of Colts fans.

It was signed: Coach Tony Dungy and President Bill Polian.

Not only is that a compliment to the power of Steeler fans, but an embarrassment for the fans of Indianapolis. You would never see such a thing on the Steelers website. It wouldn't be necessary, as the fans of Pittsburgh would be occupying the seats. That being said, you can always find a ticket to any game. Even the most diehard fan has his/her price.

Some people seem to forget it is still just a game. When the president of the Colts organization suggested that, "Our fans are critical to our success on the field, so if you cannot be there, please make sure that someone who bleeds blue is in your seat." That takes the fun out of it. I enjoy seeing the Steelers play in other stadiums, but I don't want my life threatened because of this. When the management of the team supports this, it gives irrational fans every excuse.

And another thing, I know when Myron Cope invented the Terrible Towel in the 1970s that he had no idea that it would become the trademark of every Steeler fan's wardrobe. What I find ironic is that teams playing against the Steelers happen to give out "rally towels" for that particular game. It happened in San Diego when I went for the Monday night game this year, it happened last weekend in Cincinnati. Anyone want to bet me about what they will be giving out this weekend in Indianapolis?

Now, I know the towel is just a brilliant idea, but Myron Cope was never known as a genius.

Message to the other 31 NFL teams: the towel is ours and it has magic. Get your own gimmick. I am sure your marketing department can be a little more creative than copying a towel (without the magic, of course). But go ahead and continue, it just gives our towel even more power. So, thanks in advance.

I'd like to also give a special thanks to Mike Worysz, who is not even a Steelers fan, but has adopted the team to make this incredible journey with me through the playoffs. He is a Jets fan and if they ever rebound and make it to the big dance, I'll be there with him.

I didn't speak about the actual game for a reason. The Colts beat up on the Steelers last time, which means absolutely nothing. I speak from experience, as the Patriots whipped the Steelers after getting dominated in the same building last year.

The Steelers are nine-point underdogs and no one is giving them a chance. I am preparing myself to enjoy the trip regardless, but there is no other place I would rather be if they happen to pull off the impossible.

Sure, the Colts have Peyton Manning, but he has been stopped before. Which leads me to my quote of the day: "The Steelers are going to hit 'em so hard, Archie is going to feel it." — Phil Flaherty, Bethesda, Maryland and diehard Steelers fan

From the eyes of the national media, this game doesn't even need to be played. The Colts win and play the Patriots, the team that has ended Peyton's playoff aspirations the past two seasons.

Guess what, this isn't a scripted movie. The Steelers still have to show up. I'll be right behind them, in section 137, four rows behind the Steelers' bench.

It is a 53-man roster and one usher that just won't go away.