SANTA CLARA – Statistically speaking, Allen Rossum has been one of the best return men in the league this season … and that's news to Rossum.
The 49ers' return man said this week he won't check the stat sheet until after the season.
"It's just something I never do," Rossum said. "I don't read press clippings. You can write a story about me. I won't read it."
Instead, Rossum said he sets broad goals for the season. He wants to end the year with at least 1,000 yards in kickoff returns and at least a 10-yard punt-return average. He might as well put a check mark next to both.
Through 10 games, he has 1,061 kick return yards – second in the league – and a robust 27.9-yard return average. He also is well ahead of his goal in punt returns. His 16.9-yard average trails only Washington's Santana Moss, who has returned only two punts this season, one for an 80-yard touchdown.
Last year, coach Al Everest's special-teams unit was recognized as the league's best. The only missing element was long, game-changing returns.
Everest and the 49ers have been remedying that problem in recent weeks, most notably with Rossum's 104-yard kickoff return Nov. 10 in Arizona.
Everest said the return team was like any other unit – the players on it need time to jell and to hone their skills.
"It's technique as much as anything else," he said. "Everybody thinks you just try hard on special teams. It's not about that. That's non-negotiable. Learning how to block in space and everything else takes time."
Your résumé, please – One of the four head-coaching openings for which Mike Singletary has interviewed was the Cowboys job, which ultimately went to Wade Phillips in 2007. Singletary said Friday he was impressed with the interview, especially with the honesty of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
"He just said, 'Mike, it's just a matter of the fit. I don't know you as well as I know a couple of the other guys. Just being very honest. I wish I knew you more, but I know some of those other guys. I've worked with them. I feel more comfortable with them.' "
No fine for Becht – Rams tight end Anthony Becht was not fined for what appeared to be a late hit on safety Michael Lewis that caused Lewis to briefly leave Sunday's game with a knee injury. Lewis said Becht apologized for the hit following the game.
"For him to apologize, I just put it behind me at that point," Lewis said.
Becht was not penalized on the play, and Lewis has had no lingering effects entering Sunday's game.
Herrion remembered – The mother of former 49ers offensive lineman Thomas Herrion will be a guest of the 49ers at Sunday's game. Herrion, a Fort Worth, Texas, native, collapsed and died immediately following an exhibition game in Denver in 2005.
The team created an award in Herrion's honor that is annually given to the rookie or first-year player who best exemplifies Herrion's positive outlook on life.
Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/ninersblog.
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