With week 1 in the books I thought it would be good to take a look at the starting pitcher's jobs around the league and focus on the teams that have made a change since last year -
Atlanta Falcons -
Jumbo McGinnis was the starting pitcher for the Falcons from 1879 to 1881 going 18-22 during that time before pitching out of the pen last year. He's gotten a chance to reclaim the job this year switching roles with
John Doyle, although 6 IP and a 7.50 ERA isn't the best way to start.
Chicago Bears - last year's third overall pick in the amateur draft will get thrown right into the fire in Chicago, and picked up his first professional loss in week 1.
Bill Sweeney did pitch a complete game though in the 5-4 loss to the Cardinals, and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits while walking none and striking out 6
Cincinnati Bengals - 29 year old
Ed Lowe spent five years in Miami starting for the Dolphins before moving to the bullpen where he pitched two years before being released last June. With a 33-45 record before this season he was a popular name being floated around in rumors, being linked to the Saints, Steelers, Falcons, Patriots, Browns, and Ravens before agreeing to a deal with the Bengals. After a complete game 12-4 win over the Seahawks that left the Bengals as the only undefeated team in the ABC North it looks like they may have gotten a steal.
Cleveland Browns - the Browns don't seem to know which direction they'd like to take with their starting pitcher after rotating between
Jake Scott and
Tim Belles last season, only to hand the job over to 27 year old
Tim Keefe, the 1880 and 1882 starter. Despite allowing just 2 earned runs in a complete game loss, I wouldn't get too comfortable if I was
Tim Keefe.
Denver Broncos - after going 11-17 with a 3.25 ERA the past two years the Broncos sent
Bill Brosseau down to AAA and named
Jonathan Lyons the starter this season. The 39 year old is 46-26 in his career and finished 2nd twice, and 3rd once in the Outstanding Pitcher of the Year race. Despite an impressive opening week start his age (39) and small workload (3 1/3 innings over past two years) make this a risky choice for a Denver team expecting to compete in the ABC West.
Houston Texans - 29 year old
Bill McGunnigle pitched 10 innings while allowing just 2 earned runs in his debut as the starting pitcher for the Houston Texans during their loss to the Saints. Barring a trade he appears like the best option for the Texans to win
Jacksonville Jaguars - 26 year old
Phil Ormsby improved to 2-0 in his career as the starting pitcher after a 7-6 win over the Steelers, although it's been 3 years since Ormsby made a start before this week
Kansas City Chiefts -
Bert Dorr was the second overall pick in last year's draft and allowed 9 hits and 8 runs in the Chiefs 8-5 loss to the Chargers, although just 1 of those runs were earned
New England Patriots - with the reigning Outstanding Pitcher of the Year on the team you wouldn't expect to see the Patriots on this list, but 39 year old
Jaime Biernat looks like he had a rough offseason and doesn't look like he has much left in his tank. The Patriots will go with the "youngster", 35 year old
Devonte Durham, who hasn't made a start since 1881. After allowing 11 hits and 5 runs in their opening week loss to the Lions the Patriots may be in for a long year.
Philadelphia Eagles - incumbent starter
Sean Lack has had some bad luck since last season. The 27 year old suffered an elbow injury, saw the Eagles draft
Hardie Henderson, and was informed he had lost his job. The fourth overall pick in last year's draft,
Hardie Henderson, just may be the best of the incoming class. Henderson was very impressive in his debut, pitching a complete game and picking up the win as the Eagles won 9-2. With a team ERA of 4.86 last season Henderson has given Eagles' fans reason for hope
San Francisco 49'ers - 39 year old
Sean Thompson got the start this week, and lost after pitching 8 innings. He's the starter this year, but the 49'ers would be happy to replace him with a better option, but their options are limited
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - soon to turn 22 year old
James Burke will try to make the adjustment from #1 overall pick last season to starting pitcher. His first outing wasn't bad, but little run support saw him lose his debut 3-2 to the Giants
Tennessee Titans - the Titans would like to not rush last year's second overall pick,
Charlie Geggus, so they've named 41 year old
Milt Foss starting pitcher, and mentor. Foss last was a starter in 1881 when he went 8-8 with a 2.71 ERA, but Foss won his 94th career game in week 1 with a 5-4 win over the Browns