Baltimore head coach Brian Billick argues a call with an official during the second quarter of Monday's game in Denver. The Ravens lost 13-3.

DENVER — All through Baltimore's 4-0 start, Steve McNair had lived up to his billing as the antithesis of a typical Ravens quarterback: experienced, workmanlike, a savvy game manager who would avoid mistakes and let the Baltimore defense shine.

Until he lobbed a pass to the corner of the end zone where Champ Bailey was lurking.

The Denver Broncos, it turns out, know a little about defense themselves, derailing the Ravens with a 13-3 win Monday night made possible by three interceptions — including Bailey's leaping pick in the end zone just before halftime.

"You can't expect to win the game on just three points," said McNair, who completed 20-of-34 passes for only 165 yards. "I didn't manage the game as well as I should have. I take the blame for this one."

Just as well, since everyone was crediting McNair's steady hand — paired with a Ravens defense that's still among the NFL's most intimidating — for Baltimore's fast start.

After the game, the Broncos (3-1) were still bemoaning what they perceive as a lack of respect. Despite allowing only one touchdown all season, the Denver defense feels dissed: All week long they heard about how the Ravens were the standard.

According to Williams, a Baltimore player even called the Broncos' defense "soft" in a newspaper story.

"We've got a tough defense," Williams said. "That got us pumped up when they said we were 'soft."

Turns out, the Broncos showed everybody.

"Our defense has been pretty consistent this year," Mike Shanahan said. "Hopefully we can continue to play the defense we've been playing."

The combination of cold, rainy weather and two defenses out to prove they're the best around turned the game into mostly a field-goal contest. Matt Stover connected from 24 yards in the first quarter to give the Ravens an early 3-0 lead. Jason Elam kicked a 43-yard field goal in the second quarter and then a 44-yarder with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Broncos a 6-3 lead.

The Broncos put the game away on Rod Smith's 4-yard touchdown grab, which was set up by Williams' interception.