Steelers in same spot, but road trip will sharpen focus.(SPORTS)

Byline: STAFF WRITER JASON SWANCEY

It's a return to familiarity for Bill "The Jaw" Cowher and his merry band of helmet poppers. This is the third trip to the conference championship in the last five years for Pittsburgh, and second straight. But the last three have been home games, and I think being on the road will limit distractions and keep this tight group focused.

With Jerome Bettis ready to call it quits, and the Super Bowl being played in his hometown of Detroit, it almost seems destined that this is the year Pittsburgh breaks on through to the other side. Especially when you consider they've taken out two of the best offensive teams in the league …