Training camps are right around the corner, most free agents have already been nailed down and rookies have been signed - it’s the end of July, and the offseason is about to draw to a close as the beginning of the 2009 regular season comes into sight. While shifts and changes have been taking place all around the league, it’s the AFC that football fans with NFL tickets have their eyes on, as the defending Super Bowl champions the Pittsburgh Steelers come off a miraculous season and the New England Patriots return with the invincible Tom Brady leading the way in ‘09. How will last year’s AFC playoff teams fare in the upcoming season? Here’s a look at the goings and comings of the AFC’s toughest teams.

Indianapolis Colts
The biggest change the Colts incurred after last season was, of course, the retirement of head coach and class act Tony Dungy. The Colts also took a hit with the departure of defensive coordinator Ron Meeks (now in Carolina with the Panthers,) but Indianapolis also departed with big names of the franchise such as wide receiver Marvin Harrison, running back Dominic Rhodes and punter Hunter Smith. Harrison may be an easy replacement thanks to Joseph Addai, but the others will have tough shoes to fill. On the plus side, the Colts picked up first-round running back Donald Brown and second-round defensive tackle Fili Moala in the draft, easing the pain just slightly.

Pittsburgh Steelers
The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Steelers are looking to dominate again this season. The Steelers still have Big Ben Roethlisberger leading the way, and although Pittsburgh has lost cornerback Bryant McFadden, linebacker Larry Foote and receiver Nate Washington since last season, the team also picked up defensive tackle “Ziggy” Hood in the first round of the draft, signing receiver Shaun McDonald and cornerback Keiwan Ratliff in the offseason, as well. Look for the Steelers to be a big threat in the AFC this season, as their young talent and hunger for a repeat of last season will surely not go unnoticed.

Tennessee Titans
Obviously, the departure of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was huge for the Titans. Receiver Brandon Jones and cornerback Chris Carr also left Tennessee in the offseason, though the Titans did pick up receiver Kenny Britt in the first round of the draft this year. Receiver Nate Washington, receiver/kick returner Mark Jones and defensive tackle Jovan Haye will surely be big contributors this season, but will the Titans have another 13-win season? It’s doubtful, but could happen.

San Diego Chargers
Everything this season for the Super Chargers depends on the injured Shawne Merriman and somewhat-disgruntled running back LaDainian Tomlinson, as the Chargers haven’t lost or gained any significant players this offseason. Most notably, San Diego saw the departure of linebacker Marques Harris, defensive end Igor Olshansky, center Jeremy Newberry and guard Mike Goff, while the team has seen only one key player added onto its roster - linebacker Kevin Burnett. The Chargers are still expected to be a strong team in the AFC this season, so look for San Diego to make the playoffs once again.

Miami Dolphins
Welcome back, Jason Taylor! The aging Taylor recently made amends with the Dolphins and will be a big contributor to Miami this year at outside linebacker, and the Dolphins have also picked up first-round draft pick Vontae Davis to add depth to the cornerback position. Cornerback Sean Smith was also added to the team’s roster, while the Dolphins may unfortunately feel the loss of cornerback Andre Goodman, safety Renaldo Hill, defensive end Vonnie Holliday and corner Samson Satele, all of whom have left Miami. Will the Dolphins strike again with their Wildcat offense or will the flame from last year’s fire burn out? We’re not counting the Dolphins in a safe bet in ‘09, especially because division rivals the New England Patriots are sure to be back atop the AFC East throne.

Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have seen quite a bit of movement this offseason, including the departures of center Jason Brown, cornerback Chris McAlister, receiver Derrick Mason and safety Jim Leonhard. On the other hand, Baltimore has picked up rookie offensive tackle Michael Oher in the first round of the draft, and tight end L.J. Smith, center Matt Birk and cornerback Domonique Foxworth have also been added to the lineup. The Ravens were a wild card in the ‘08 playoffs, making for another team on the fence in 2009.

The New England Patriots weren’t playoff contenders last season, but with Tom Brady back and healthy, the team is sure to cause a stir in the AFC this season. Tickets to upcoming NFL games are always available online.

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[tags]NFL, sports, tickets, football[/tags]