The blame rarely falls on the defense. The Broncos own 10 wins because of the unit, not despite it. Yet, against Pittsburgh on Sunday flaws surfaced. The Steelers passed 55 times. The problem wasn’t so much the yardage with the pass, but the yards after receptions. The Broncos uncharacteristically missed tackles, resulting in nearly 100 yards in gains after the catch.

“We play what we play and we play it well. The yards after the catch is what hurt us more than anything,” defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said.

Outside linebacker Von Miller admitted he caught himself looking ahead when the Broncos improved to 10-2. Laser focus “on the moment” returned after consecutive losses, leaving the Broncos in nearly a must-win situation on Monday night against Cincinnati.

“We have confident guys. We have guys who are confident in life. Even if they weren’t playing football,” Miller

Peyton Manning plan

As planned, Peyton Manning will work out Saturday with coach Gary Kubiak attending. He continues to rehab his left foot with hopes of being available to play this season. Manning will be inactive against the Bengals.

Evan Mathis improves

For the first time in weeks, the Broncos interior offensive line could be near full strength. Left guard Evan Mathis, limited to special teams duty against Pittsburgh, said his ankle injury has improved.

“By leaps and bounds,” Mathis said. “The rest really helped.”

Right guard Louis Vasquez, a Pro Bowl alternate, rookie Max Garcia and Mathis will all get time at guard on Monday.

“Evan is taking his full load at practice,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “We need all three of them to be at our best.”

Britton Colquitt issues

Britton Colquitt misfired on critical punts against the Patriots and Steelers, creating short fields. Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis defended the veteran, saying raw numbers don’t tell the full story.

“Somebody said on the broadcast they said he had a poor punt and it was minus-41 and out of bounds. Again I would take minus-41 and out of bounds on every punt this week. That’s the way it needs to be. You have to take the return game away at times,” DeCamillis said. “He’s doing everything we’ve asked him to do. I am pleased with him. Can he get better? Sure.”

Von Miller’s holiday spirit

Miller played Santa Claus on Thursday, treating teammates to whiskey and underwear. He customized the liquor bottles with the words: “An honor and privilege to go out and play with you every Sunday” followed by his signature.

DeMarcus Ware surprised Miller with a 120 GB iPad Pro.

“I told you, ‘I love you man,’ ” Miller said. “That was heartfelt and amazing.”

Footnotes

Defensive back Omar Bolden (hamstring) remains hopeful of playing Monday, but has yet to practice this week. Free safety Darian Stewart (hamstring) is expected to practice fully when the team returns on Saturday.

Defensive end Malik Jackson on his Pro Bowl snub: “I am not going to bash the Pro Bowl selection just because I didn’t get in. I have to keep working.”

Bengals quarterback A.J. McCarron will make his second start on Sunday. But he brings plenty of big-game experience from his time at the University of Alabama. “He was coached hard, you can tell that when you talk to him. You see it,” Kubiak said.