Just curious...

[LambertsFrontTeeth]

I was initially kind of aggravated about the trade...not so much the conditional pick, but wanting to see what Reid could do over a full year.

 Rossum is steady and experienced at fielding punts, because, well, he has experience fielding punts. Dude can't get better during games if he doesn't get to play in games, so I can't blame Reid.

That said, I admit it IS nice to know that you have a guy who is absolutely capable back there returning. And, if Reid ISN'T suffering from a post-injury lack of speed, perhaps Rossum can help mentor him (kind of like how Bettis helped with the maturation of FWP).  

Perhaps I'm stubborn, but I still would like to see what Reid can do when he gets to play for a sustained period of time.  Once Rossum gets old and slows down, of course!

One point: I know it's a conditional pick, but what are the conditions, and how high a pick did we give up? I'd be thrilled if we gave up a 6, but furious if we gave up a 4 or higher.  

[Hercules50]

I'm just relieved that we finally have professional punt returning again.

As for Reid: I think that if he absolutely works his ass off, he can have an NFL career. His physical skills are good enough. But if he doesn't....he'll be out of football in a couple of years.

[oblongatta]

Just so everyone knows, Bouchette did not back down.

[pensodyssey]

Just so everyone knows, Bouchette did not back down.

Much has been made that it was the Steelers' first kickoff return for a TD in five seasons. It also was Rossum's first kickoff return for a TD in five years, and his first return of any kind for a TD in three years. Santonio Holmes returned a punt for a touchdown last year and averaged more than 10 yards a punt return. Rossum, who has not averaged more than 10 yards a punt return in the previous two seasons, has six punt returns this year for 2.7-yard average, including one of minus-four on Sunday. Rossum has been a wonderful kickoff and punt returner, but I think the Steelers already had one.

One has to wonder about the qulaity of Douchette's insight when all he can do is spout vaguely related numbers, without placing them in context.

One also notices a distinct sweeping-under-the-rug of Holmes' return-game deficiencies, such as putting the ball on the ground and conceding field position through his decision making.

[Puma170]

What

An
 
ASS!!!

You have got to be kidding me.  The bottom line for me is that Rossum has not put the ball on the ground (yet I guess) and everything beyond that is gravy.

PUMA

[Hercules50]

Not to mention: we need Holmes to develop into a star wideout ASAP.

Tomlin's right. Holmes should focus on that. Having him practice punt and kick returns is a waste of resources, I think. Also the injury risk.

[Preacherman0]

Tomlin's right. Holmes should focus on that. Having him practice punt and kick returns is a waste of resources, I think. Also the injury risk.

No offense, Herc, but I'm calling BS on that one.  If Tomlin thought that Holmes could do the job, he'd be back there.  Returning the ball should not have any negative impact on his receiving.  Fact is that, as spectacular as he might be, Holmes can't be trusted to handle the football and Tomlin isn't going to tolerate that.  "He needs to concentrate on receiver" is a nice way of saying "I don't want him back there dropping the ball on the F-ing ground."