Big batch of money for Charlie

SportsLine.com Report
Sept. 6, 2000

One half of the Charlie Batch saga was settled Wednesday. The second half would have to wait for Thursday.

Batch signed a four-year, $31-million contract extension about an hour before the Detroit Lions practiced Wednesday. He sat out the opener because his right leg was not at full strength.

Batch went through a full practice schedule Wednesday. If there are no ill effects, and he can practice at full strength Thursday, Batch plans to start at quarterback in Sunday's home-opener against the Washington Redskins.

Batch's contract includes $13 million in signing bonuses -- $10 million up front, and $3 million before the 2004 season, if the Lions exercise an option to pick up the last two years. Batch is on the third year of a four-year contract signed as a rookie in 1998.

Batch is committed to the Lions for six years, through 2005, if the team picks up the option.

Coach Bobby Ross watched the way Batch performed in practice Wednesday and left little doubt that he thinks Batch can start Sunday -- unless he has a setback Thursday.

Batch has recovered from a broken bone in his right knee, sustained in a June 5 workout, but the muscles in his leg aren't at full strength.

"We're going to get him most of the reps," Ross said. "If he feels good, we'll say, 'You're starting, baby.'"

Stoney Case started Sunday's 14-10 win over New Orleans. He completed 13 of 25 passes for 100 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Batch was frustrated by the pace of contract talks. He and Ross had a long talk Tuesday. Wednesday morning, Batch called his agent, Tom Condon, and told him he wanted the deal done by noon.

The Lions and Batch were close on many key issues last week but had not struck a deal.

Batch was irked that some people said he didn't play the opener because he didn't have a new contract.

"The contract had nothing to do with whether I was going to play," Batch said. "When I woke up this morning, I said (to Condon), 'I want this done. I want this thing done before noon, before we even come out here to practice.'

"This thing's been going on long enough," Batch said. "They're at their stand. We're at our stand. Let's meet somewhere in the middle."

End result: Batch looks like he's going to start. "I was able to go out there and do more," Batch said of his work in practice Wednesday. "Based off today, what I did today, it felt pretty good."

Moore would be better

Sept. 3, 2000

Whoever plays quarterback -- Stoney Case or Charlie Batch -- in the Lions' home-opener against Washington might have wide receiver Herman Moore as a target.

Moore practiced in shoulder pads Monday for the first time since his left shoulder was separated in the final exhibition game. Moore plans to practice through the week before deciding if he can play. When he was hurt, doctors said he would miss four to six weeks.

Moore wants to cut that considerably.

"It felt fine," Moore said. "I had some lighter shoulder pads. I have to do some things underneath, just to cushion it a little more. Hopefully, as the week goes on I can get stronger in some areas.

"I plan on practicing every day."

JUST LET ME KNOW: Coach Bobby Ross would like Batch to decide by Wednesday if his right knee is strong enough to play. Last week, Batch did not decide until Friday. Ross wants the starter to get most of the work with the offense, rather than divide it.

The Lions need offensive improvement. They gained only 187 yards and 10 first downs against the Saints. Their defense dominated, sacking Saints quarterback Jeff Blake five times, forcing five fumbles, recovering two and intercepting a pass.

WINNING ON AN OFF DAY: Ross saw a bright spot in victory because it came with a subpar offensive performance.

"I feel very good about getting the win and knowing we can play better," Ross said. "Getting the win and knowing you can play better in some ways is even better. You know we can get better. I said all along, our offense can get better."