BALTIMORE – The Denver Broncos climbed to second place in the AFC West thanks to a stout defense, a surprisingly effective rookie quarterback and the ability to win on the road.

None of those qualities were on display in Sunday's humiliating 41-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

After winning five of six to establish itself as a potential playoff contender, Denver (5-4) couldn't keep up with a team that reached the AFC title game last season and featured two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson boasted the Broncos' defense, which was one of the best in the league.

Additionally, rookie Bo Nix was continually frustrated with Baltimore's defense, which came up big in crucial moments.

“Look, we got beat today,” coach Sean Payton said. “We didn’t do nearly well enough against a good football team.”

Before Sunday, the Broncos had not allowed opponents 350 yards or more than 26 points. Baltimore significantly exceeded those numbers, rushing for 396 yards and surpassing the 30-point mark early in the third quarter.

Jackson threw for 280 yards and three scores. Derrick Henry ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns, and the Ravens turned a close game into a runway by scoring on the final possession before halftime and the opening series of the third quarter.

“It’s a big change,” Payton admitted.

Nix bore little resemblance to the fearless rookie who threw nine touchdown passes and just one interception during Denver's 5-1 win after an 0-2 start.

The 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft completed 19 of 33 passes for 223 yards. His first pass of the day was picked up.

Nix readily accepted his share of blame for the difficult afternoon.

“It’s miserable, it’s no fun. You never want to lose games like that,” he said. “We have to face it. Either you sit there and point the finger at someone else, or you take responsibility for it. The only way to get over it is to look within. That’s what we’re going to do.”

The offense's most notable missteps came on fourth down. The Broncos were successful on one of five fourth-down attempts – the only conversion coming on a trick play that led to their only touchdown, a pass from Courtland Sutton to Nix that cut Baltimore's lead to 10-7 in the second quarter.

The Ravens outscored Denver 31-3 the rest of the game.

“You know, when you play a good team like this on the road, you want to come into the fourth quarter (with the score close),” Payton said. “We couldn’t do that.”

The Broncos started the day 3-1 on the road and will visit the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs next weekend.

So Denver needs to move forward as quickly as possible.

“The most important thing – and I just finished telling the team – is that there will be games on Monday and it won't be good for any of us,” Payton said. “We won’t like it, but that’s life. We don't make excuses. We were whipped today.”