LaMarr Woodley has said that the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense has a chance to improve in 2013.

The AFC North side had one of the top-rated defenses last season, but were unable to progress to the playoffs.

The linebacker told the team's official website: "We have to go out there and perform. We have to go out there and do what we didn't do last year, that's stopping the run, getting turnovers and putting our offense in good field position.

"Just this year in training camp, I think we went out there and played pretty well. During the pre-season we went out there and caused some turnovers and got the ball back. We showed it here early on.

"I feel we can be a better defense this year as long as we keep everybody out there on the field and everybody out there doing what they're supposed to do. Then, I think we'll be back to playing the way we used to play."

Last season Woodley made 38 tackles, four sacks and an interception.