It's About Damned Time Charlie Batch Got Some National TV Exposure

You know the NFL season is upon us when Charlie Batch fastens his chinstrap and storms onto the field. It's really what the league's all about, no?

The night that Batch has fantasized about since that little motorcycle mishap has arrived, though it was the appendix that took down the Big Ben, not the smashing of brain vs. pavement. It's Steelers vs. Dolphins in the Thursday night opener, and now that they start the season on Thursday, it seems amazing they ever did anything else.

It's also the first night for the all-star monster broadcast team of Al Michaels, John Madden, Andrea Kremer, Jerome Bettis, Bob Costas, Peter King and, jeez, is Oprah part of this? We hope there's enough air in the stadium.

By the way, this is also your last chance to join our NFL Pick 'em Pool. Winner gets all kinds of good prizes, including a free post, which is always nice, because it means you're able to read someone who isn't us.

But yeah: Football is finally here. Excellent.

Dolphins-Steelers Preview [One For The Thumb]