Dick LeBeau: Steelers' defense 'capable of so much more'

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers tightened up on defense last Monday night after allowing 81 yards rushing yards in the first quarter to the Houston Texans.

The Texans managed just 51 rushing yards and one touchdown in the final three quarters, and the way the Steelers played after a shaky start left defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau hopeful -- and a little exasperated.

"To be totally honest with you we're capable of so much more than that," LeBeau said of the defense's play in the 30-23 win over the Texans. "We're not consistent enough. We made a step in the right direction but I know we can get a lot better than that. I know we can."

The Steelers have to be better Sunday.

The Indianapolis Colts, who visit Heinz Field for a 4:25 p.m. ET game, are second in the NFL in scoring (30.9 points per game), and they have enough of a running game even if Trent Richardson doesn't play because of a hamstring injury to complement quarterback Andrew Luck.

Luck leads the NFL with 333 passing yards per game though he won't have starting wide receiver Reggie Wayne at his disposal.

The Steelers have yet to string impressive defensive performances together this season, which is a big reason why they have yet to win back-to-back games. LeBeau rejects the notion that the Steelers are lacking talent on defense or are hindered by the absence of injured players such as outside linebacker Jarvis Jones and cornerback Ike Taylor.

LeBeau said the key to the defense playing better is as simple as players not getting caught out of position, something that has happened too frequently.

"I don't really delve into the whys," LeBeau said when asked if that problem is a product of inexperience or injuries. "I just look at the video and grade what I see and when I see it's not in the proper position it's going to hurt the defense. I don't give a damn what it is. I just want it to go away yesterday. And I think we're making improvement on that but we can get a lot better believe me."

Strong safety Troy Polamalu agreed.

"It's been an up-and-down roller coaster," the eight-time Pro Bowler said. "It's important for us to be consistent however we can do it. We've just got to play better team ball."