It's definitely a more offensive-oriented group, to be sure, but I'd argue that's as much our issue as defending. We can't get the puck out of our own zone.
Here's Chayka's quote last June re: his philosophy on defense and what he seems to be building toward (with the acquisitions of Goligoski, DeAngelo, etc):
"Defense isn't about defending, it's about getting the puck in the forwards' hands and getting the puck moving in the offensive zone. It's about transitioning. That's the philosophy and that's been the theme behind the moves that we're making, let's get players who can get pucks back and get pucks up to forwards in an efficient and effective manner."
http://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1065427-coyotes-gm-chayka-defense-isn-t-about-defending