Denver ? Dennis Dixon got his first significant playing time with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starters.

He didn’t make a good impression Sunday night, throwing two costly interceptions in the Steelers’ 34-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.

Rookie cornerback Perrish Cox picked off the first one in the end zone, a pass that Dixon should have thrown away. Andre’ Goodman returned Dixon’s second interception 77 yards for a touchdown with 11 seconds left in the second quarter, giving Denver a 17-3 halftime lead.

Dixon finished 9-of-16 for 94 yards, two interceptions and a pair of sacks by Robert Ayers.

Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton was shaken up in the first half and left the game briefly after taking a hit from linebacker James Harrison.

The Broncos’ bottled-up ground game finally found some traction, with Lance Ball gaining 75 yards on 10 carries.