The Broncos proved they could do wrong on Sunday, as the Ravens handed them their first loss of the season, 30-7, in Baltimore. Denver never established much of a rhythm, as the team mustered their smallest offensive output of the season by totaling 200 yards and seven points, and an efficient effort by QB Joe Flacco paired with a few big runs by Ray Rice and Le'Ron McClain were all the Ravens needed to put the Broncos away.

At 6-1, Denver has a two-game lead over the Chargers in the AFC West, but head coach Josh McDaniels' club actually has been outscored 80-78 in its last four games. The Broncos' dominant defense helped overshadow an offense that has been efficient, but not as spectacular as the team's overall record might suggest.

The PFW spin

Sunday proved what some had suspected throughout the Broncos' stunning six-game winning streak to open the season — at this point this is not an offense that has the ability to play catch-up after falling behind by a significant margin. This doesn't mean Denver's great start was a complete mirage, but the Ravens exposed some flaws that had been present but shielded in the early going.

Denver's backs were held to 3.2 yards per carry in the past two games and only scored one touchdown in those contests. Rookie RB Knowshon Moreno's problems hanging onto the pigskin are becoming a larger concern too, as he has fumbled the ball away three times in the past four games, including one on Sunday. After gaining 7.2 yards per carry in his first four games before missing a game after injuring his ankle, No. 2 back Correll Buckhalter is gaining just 3.4 yards per rush in the two games since the injury. The third back, Peyton Hillis, has barely been used. He has just seven touches in seven games.

In order to get back on track vs. the Steelers in Week Nine, the Broncos have to get more production from their running backs. McDaniels has to stick with the running game, even if it's not leading to many big gains. Moreno and Buckhalter only had 11 carries in the first half on Sunday even though the game was very close, with Baltimore holding a 6-0 halftime advantage. Denver had to abandon the run in the second half when the Ravens began to pull away. Getting Hillis, who proved he has the ability to handle a major role last season when he had success in a brief starting stint, more involved would be a good idea as well.

It would also help to get ORT Ryan Harris back, although it looks like he might be out for some time with a toe injury on his right foot that knocked him out of the game in the first half on Sunday. Tyler Polumbus filled in after Harris left and will get the start against Pittsburgh after McDaniels confirmed Monday that Harris will be out for the Steelers game.

QB Kyle Orton, as efficient as he is, can't be relied on to win games with his arm alone. He's not that kind of quarterback. A balanced offense is a key for the Broncos, as falling behind and getting into predictable passing situations allows defenses to take risks and blitz. Orton has been better this season when on the run, but mobility isn't a strong point in his game. Falling behind and playing catch-up is not going to lead to many Broncos' wins the rest of the way.