Charlie Batch may have been in the NFL since 1998, but he has never had a week quite like this past one. The veteran QB and devoted community leader had a roller coaster week that rival any that I have ever heard about. What follows is a timeline of one of the craziest weeks in Charlie Batch's life…a week in which his character was both tested and revealed.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Batch awakes the morning after the Steelers played a total stinker and lost in Cleveland. Batch did not play well to say the least, but he also wasn't the only one to blame – Steeler RBs did lose 4 fumbles after all. Still, most of the blame focused squarely on the 37 year old quarterback. ESPN's Christopher Harris…a guy who writes about fantasy football for a living…blasted Batch and said "Honestly, I'm as good as Charlie Batch."
Meanwhile, Ben Roethlisberger tells the Post-Gazette that it is "killing him to watch" and that he hopes to play the following Sunday in Baltimore.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Batch posts an update to his Facebook page about his beloved dog Roxie. Her chemo treatments have failed. Batch says she has "a couple of weeks or a couple of months."
Mike Tomlin steps to the podium and declares that "Charlie Batch is our quarterback." News also surfaces that Big Ben was throwing the ball and hadn't been ruled out of Sunday afternoon's game.
Steelers fans hope Roethlisberger can return and wonder if Brian Hoyer could be an option against the Ravens.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
News surfaces that Roethlisberger has practiced, but likely won't play on Sunday.
Columnists write that "Batch doesn't deserve an NFL paycheck" and ask "Is Charlie Batch really 347 years old?"
A Baltimore writer says that Sunday's matchup doesn't have the typical Ravens-Steelers feel with Batch starting at QB and says there is a great chance the Ravens will be 10-2 after the weekend.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Batch has to put down his beloved rescue dog Roxie.
One of NFL.com's experts says: There's no way for the Steelers to go down to Baltimore and win with Charlie Batch. I'm sorry. It just won't happen. If Pittsburgh is to have a chance, Big Ben must play.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Roethlisberger is officially ruled out of Sunday's game. Batch will start.
Headline in the Baltimore Sun: Steelers can't beat Ravens without Roethlisberger.
Batch is inducted to the Steel Valley Hall of Fame and is asked to give a speech in Munhall. He talks about how proud he is to play for the Steelers, his hometown team, adding that he was born 16 miles from Three Rivers Stadium and now wearing No. 16.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
The Onion publishes a piece mocking Batch, saying that he is frantically rehabbing Roethlisberger's shoulder to avoid playing again.
An NFL blogger writes: "He’s been in Pittsburgh for 10 years and he has two Super Bowl rings. He might get a third ring come Sunday while he is being wrungout by the Ravens defense."
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Batch throws for 276 yards and a touchdown, leading the Steelers to a miraclous come-from-behind win in Baltimore.
He embraces Roethlisberger for a lengthy time on the sidelines after the win.
Monday, December 3, 2012
SI's Peter King calls Batch the offensive player of the week.
Dejan Kovavevic writes Charlie Batch, Homestead tough.
Headline in the Baltimore Sun: This was an embarrassing loss to an ancient QB
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