Batch Job

Big Ben had arthroscopic surgery yesterday - a 15-minute procedure - and will be down for the next 10-14 days. In the meantime, Charlie Batch is in the queue to execute the Steeler game plan. There are those who would be concerned about turning the keys over to the third-string quarterback, but this is no ordinary third-string quarterback. Charlie was the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions - stop laughing - and was one of the lone bright spots on that blighted team. He had no protection whatsoever from his offensive line, no running game behind him, and receivers who were so bad that the Lions subsequently used three consecutive 1st round picks on wide outs. Charlie, coming off of a shoulder injury that prompted the Lions to dump him and his $2 million salary in 2001, came to Pittsburgh and backed up Kordell Stewart and Tommy Maddox. Once Kordell was jettisoned the Tommy Gun offense was installed and worked fairly well - for a season. Then the Steelers lucked up on the steal of the 2004 draft - Big Ben.

Charlie Batch wasn't on the third string because he was a mediocre quarterback, he's simply found himself in situations where hot quarterbacks were in front of him. Charlie actually had an opportunity to sign with a couple teams that would have started him, but he came to the Steelers for less money and less opportunity because he loves Pittsburgh and he loves the Steelers. How can you not root for this guy?

I have every confidence that Charlie Batch will do just fine Sunday against Green Bay. Watch and see.