Charlie Batch is in his 11th season as a backup quarterback for the Steelers, and he’s about to start his eighth game. But while he hasn’t had many opportunities to show it on the field, his teammates say they have full confidence that he knows how to run the offense.
“He asks the most questions I’ve ever heard anybody ask in a meeting,” wide receiver Mike Wallace told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “He definitely knows the offense, and that’s why I’m excited about the offense.”
Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders also talked about Batch’s mental approach to the game in explaining why the Steelers think they can win with him under center.
“He’s very smart; he takes pride in the details,” Sanders said. “He’s done it in previous seasons, and I expect him to do it this week also.”
So there are no questions about whether Batch can do the job mentally. But does the 38-year-old Batch have anything left physically? Batch says he’ll go out there and see what happens.
“These opportunities don’t come often anymore, and here I am, getting up there in years,” Batch said. “When you have an opportunity like this, you cherish it.”
From all indications, the Steelers believe Batch will make the most of this opportunity. Even if they hope it’s his last opportunity.