New York, NY (Betting Express) - After helping the Pittsburgh Steelers post the NFL's top-ranked defense this season, linebacker James Harrison was honored on Monday as the Associated Press' Defensive Player of the Year.

Harrison set a Steelers record with a career-high 16 sacks in helping the Steelers to a 12-4 regular season record and an AFC North title. The 30-year- old also notched an NFL-high seven forced fumbles in addition to 101 tackles and an interception in 15 games this season.

With Harrison as its anchor, Pittsburgh's defense allowed just 237.2 yards per game and 156.9 yards per game through the air, both tops in the league. The Steelers finished second in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game with 80.2, behind only the Minnesota Vikings. Pittsburgh also led the league in fewest points allowed this season.

Harrison earned 22 of the 50 votes turned in by a nationwide panel of sports writers. Dallas' DeMarcus Ware earned 13 to finish second in the voting.

The Steelers won six of their final seven games to capture the division crown and will host the San Diego Chargers this Saturday.

Ware, meanwhile, led the NFL with 20 sacks this season for the Cowboys, who failed to earn a playoff berth after getting blown out by Philadelphia in their final regular season game of the year.