PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Steelers linebacker Lamarr Woodley was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Month Thursday for the month of October.

After a lackluster start to the year, Woodley turned it on in October to the tune of 7.5 sacks, 25 tackles and one interception as Pittsburgh went 4-1 to climb to 6-2 overall and first place in the AFC.

“It’s the other guys on the defense who allow me to make the plays,” Woodley said, according to the Steelers official website. “The secondary doing a great job in the back, the defensive line getting some push up front allowing the quarterback to hold the ball a little longer and allowing me to get in there.”

His 7.5 sacks in October are the second-highest total in team history for any month. His sack yardage total (56.5) is the most by a Steelers’ player for any month.

Woodley has recorded at least 1.5 sacks in four consecutive games — a Steelers record.

“I am happy with that because we have been winning and my game is stepping up,” Woodley said. “It’s a plus on both sides.

“The first thing is winning. It makes you feel that much better. We are setting the right goals to be where we want to be.”