Atlanta Falcons vs Steelers: Interview With the Enemy

Nov 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) and defensive end Cameron Heyward (right) sack Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

BD: Pittsburgh’s defense has always been their best asset, however it seems that that unit is trending towards the middle of the pack this season. Is it time for a coordinator change, or are there personnel factors that can be fixed in the offseason?

KM: I was prepared going into the season for the defense to be the weaker link for a change and I still believe that the offense has to outscore opponents for the Steelers to be able to win out, get into the playoffs, and hope to even win a playoff game. I think it’s more of a personnel factor for this season. It’s too easy to say that Dick LeBeau is too old and his schemes are predictable, but the majority of the league now runs a 3-4 defense based on how successful it can be and he’s largely credited with that so I don’t think he’s the problem. They just plain failed at addressing the needs of the secondary last offseason and I hope that’s a mistake they don’t make again this offseason.