Isn't that opening we see the trachea rather than the esophagus? I'm thinking the windpipe is at the front of the throat (for ease in strangling) and the gullet behind it. One way or the other, I'd hump that hole in a minute.
YES...and it looks like a tight, wet one too! I really didn't mean to second-guess you, PiercedChest -- no offense intended. After all, a hole is a hole is a hole. :]