First and 10
Return specialist Allen Rossum

Shortly before the season, the Steelers traded for return specialist Allen Rossum. The 10-year NFL veteran set a playoff record in a 2004 game for the Atlanta Falcoms with 152 punt return yards on just 3 returns, an average of 50.7 yards per return. He made the 2005 Pro Bowl as a return-man. PSR Editor Tony DeFazio chatted with Rossum before Steelers' practice last month.

PSR: What do you do to prepare each week as a returner?

AR: I try to watch a lot of film, that's probably my main thing. Get a jump on the guy. Look to see where the ball lands, how long it takes for it to get to the returner, see if anybody has had any big plays against him, how his coverage team is covering…those are the main things that I look for and focus on.

PSR: Are their specific kickers you dislike returning against?

AR: There are some kickers like Jeff Feagles (New York Giants). He kicks it one yard away from the sideline every time, so there are no returns. Ever. But other than him, no, it's all pretty generic from my end. But he's the only I can think of that I don't like to return against, because he limits any returns.

PSR: There are a lot of returners who return either punts or kicks. You do both. How are they different?

AR: They're totally different. The ball comes off the foot differently. You don't have nearly as much time on a punt. But then with a kick return, you've got all 11 guys coming full speed at you. At least with a punt, you get them right on top of you and you can slow them down a little bit. But with a kickoff, they're starting off full speed, so they are totally different animals. I guess you can break on either one of them, but the majority of the time, if you can get a guy to miss on a punt return there's a good chance you can take it the distance.

PSR: Do you prefer one over the other?

AR: Nah…I pretty much look forward to both of them. Of course, during the season you probably get more punt returns that kick returns, especially against this defense because not a lot of people score much on us. I look forward to both.

PSR: Does it take away from your prep time as a cornerback?

AR: No…My main job right now is to return, so I focus on that. And when it's time to focus on playing corner I'll do that.