With a little more than a week of training camp under their belts, the Steelers will be kicking off their 2009 preseason schedule Thursday against the Arizona Cardinals.

September will be here sooner than we all want, but the Steelers look primed for another serious run at the AFC North division title and possibly the Super Bowl

Just getting out of the division could be tricky, however. You know the Baltimore Ravens are just dying for another crack or two (or three?) at the Steelers.

You know linebacker Ray Lewis was seething about losing to the Steelers three times in the 2008 season. Plus, fellow linebacker Terrell Suggs and safety Ed Reed will bolster that excellent defense. Quarterback Joe Flacco has a full year under his belt and did something not even Ben Roethlisberger could do: win two playoff games in his first season.

As for Cincinnati and Cleveland, well, the rebuilding continues. But I still believe teams never can look past any team in their division, no matter how poorly they've performed.

Cleveland and Cincinnati had productive drafts, so they look to be laying low and waiting. With Cleveland's quarterback controversy — Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson — I like coach Eric Mangini's approach that someone will win it and he will stick with him, but if things go wrong early, then what?

There's the old saying that when you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks. I'm sure it's Quinn's job to lose, but they'll have to see what develops.

For the Steelers, the roster remains intact. Never mind any of the incoming draft class.

With the return of running back Rashard Mendenhall and punter Daniel Sepulveda from season-ending injuries, as well as the maturation of second-year receiver Limas Sweed, the Steelers could benefit from those lost pieces from last year.

The offensive linemen, Max Starks, Trai Essex. Willie Colon, Chris Kemoeatu and Darnell Stapleton, are back for another season, although they kept Roethlisberger running around for his life. Still, they were able to win a Super Bowl, so any improved play would make a big difference.

With the return of New England quarterback Tom Brady, the New England Patriots have to be considered the favorites.

Indianapolis always has a shot with Peyton Manning and this finally could be the year San Diego Chargers put it all together with quarterback Philip Rivers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and linebacker Shawne Merriman?

It's still too early commit to the playoff and Super Bowl predictions, so Pittsburgh can still enjoy the spoils of last season for another month.

From there, it's a whole new ballgame.