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Days before the Broncos' stifling defense faced the Steelers' high-powered offense, Denver safety T.J. Ward said "They're hot because they haven't played us yet."

The Steelers had scored 30 points in five straight games and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was playing at an MVP-level. On Sunday, the Broncos dominated early, leading by a much as 17 points, and their defense looked very much like the NFL's best unit. But something changed at the intermission and the Steelers scored 24 unanswered points to win, 34-27. It was their sixth straight 30-plus-point game -- and the first time Denver's D had allowed more than 27 points.

Even more impressive: Broncos cornerback Chris Harris came into Sunday's game having not allowed a receiving touchdown in two seasons.

And then Antonio Brown happened.

The NFL's most dangerous wide receiver caught 16 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns -- both against Harris, who was helpless to do anything about it.

Here's No. 1:

And here's No. 2:

There's no shame in getting beaten (repeatedly, it turns out) by Brown, but the reality is that the Broncos have now lost two games in a row. At 10-4, they're currently the third seed in the AFC, though they host the second-seeded Bengals next week.

And while we expect Harris to be fine, the biggest question concerning the Broncos is when Peyton Manning will return to the lineup.

Antonio Brown had a huge game against Chris Harris. (USATSI)
Antonio Brown had a huge game against Chris Harris. (USATSI)