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Typically, when a defensive-minded coach gets his first chance to run his own team, his inclination is to be conservative.
When a key fourth-down opportunity arises, put the game in the hands of his defense. Aaron Glenn sounds like he may be different.
“I’ll be honest with you, early in my thought process, I was to a point where [I said to myself], ‘Man, let’s punt and go play defense,’ ” he said Friday. “But now, when you just look at it, and you look at the analytics behind it, it tells you that there’s a really good chance you can make that. So, mentally, I am somewhat aggressive, but I’m also calculated.”
While Glenn was a defensive player and defensive coach, he also worked under Dan Campbell with the Lions. Campbell has made a habit of going for it on fourth down. He set the NFL record for fourth-down attempts in a four-season span, with 151 tries from 2021-24.
“It depends on who we’re going against. It depends on the situation in the game,” Glenn said. “But I know this: I’m going to be ready to make decisions. I’m going to make it fast, and whatever that decision is going to be, it’s going to be best for our team.”
Steelers star defensive tackle Cam Heyward, in a contract dispute with Pittsburgh, wouldn’t commit to playing Sunday.
“I’m preparing, but we’ll see,” he told reporters Friday. “I wish I could be more optimistic, but just trying to stay in the moment. … I don’t have all the answers. It’s more of me just waiting and see what can happen.”
Heyward, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, has said he thought reworking his contract would be much easier than it has proven to be. The Steelers typically don’t negotiate contracts in-season.
Offensive lineman Esa Pole (ankle) is out and offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor (hand) is questionable. Cornerback Sauce Gardner (fibula) and quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) practiced fully Friday and are expected to play. … The Steelers ruled out starting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee).
