The Denver Broncos set out to compete against the incredibly talented Baltimore Ravens. It gave Denver its first chance to prove it is a real contender in the AFC after winning five of its last six games.

Unfortunately, the Broncos fell completely short. It was a game that highlighted both the Ravens' strengths and the Broncos' weaknesses.

What went wrong? Let's examine how and why this 31-point loss should be a wake-up call for the Broncos.

While Lamar Jackson didn't rush for an 80-yard touchdown, he did use his feet to buy more time to throw strikes down the field. He showed why he is considered one of the best playmakers in the league.

Jackson finished the game with three touchdown passes and 280 yards through the air while rushing for just four yards. Holding him to four yards rushing might have secured a win in the past.

However, Jackson continues to grow and improve his ability to read defenses, exploit mismatches and put opponents on their heels, which is why he remains the betting favorite to win his third NFL MVP award.

While Jackson had an impressive game through the air, Derrick Henry did a lot of work on the ground, especially in the second half. He didn't start the game strong, but started coming in when the Broncos' defense started to fade.

Henry finished the game with 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns, continually gaining crucial yards and helping control the pace of the game. Already overwhelmed by Jackson's mobility, Denver's defense found it increasingly difficult to contain Henry, especially as the game progressed.

What was more frustrating? That the Broncos couldn't convert on fourth down, or that they even tried?

On one hand, I understand why Sean Payton felt the need to go for it on fourth down. When it came to executing Payton's fourth-down calls, Bo Nix's missed touchdown pass to Troy Franklin and Javonte Williams' failed stretch attempt for a first down were both heartbreaking.

These failed attempts cost crucial scoring opportunities, but more importantly, these turnovers on downs affected the Broncos' momentum and morale and revealed a frustrating inability to convert at crucial moments.

While Nix finished with respectable numbers, going 19 of 33 for 223 yards with an interception and a rare touchdown catch, he was also sacked four times in Baltimore. His final sack was the most egregious of all, losing 13 yards on a 3rd-&-goal from the 1-yard line and forcing the Broncos into a 4th-&-14 situation that ended in a turnover on downs.

Nix missed Courtland Sutton high in the end zone. Hopefully Nix views this loss as a learning moment as he continues to develop into the Broncos' signal-caller.

Despite this lopsided loss, I still believe the Broncos defense is capable of playing at a playoff level. If the defense gets enough support, there is potential for a playoff run.

However, the Broncos offense needs to evolve. Improving third downs and minimizing turnovers should be at the top of the to-do list.

Hopefully the Broncos can make those adjustments sooner rather than later when they fly to Arrowhead next week to take on the defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs.