Broncos defense dominates Panthers in 24-10 Super Bowl win

Von Miller was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl 50 with a monster performance that included 2.5 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles and a key pass breakup in the Denver Broncos’ 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. He was sacked seven times and threw an interception in addition to his two lost fumbles. But a defensive touchdown in the first quarter and three field goals propelled them to the victory in what was widely expected to be Manning’s final game. We’re back to the Peyton Manning-Cam Newton show in the third quarter.

Courtesy of a huge mistake by Broncos’ cornerback Aqib Talib, the Panthers were able to capitalize and get on the scoreboard with a 1-yard run by running back Jonathan Stewart.

Once again though, the Broncos were unable to make a red zone visit pay with a touchdown, with McManus adding his third field goal to give Denver a nine-point lead.

It’s Denver’s third Super Bowl championship, and the second for quarterback Peyton Manning – who, it is widely believed, played in the 313th and final game of his illustrious 18-year career.

Manning, at 39, had one of the worst seasons ever for a quarterback who is starting in a Super Bowl.

One of the reasons Carolina was favored coming into the game is because many were unsure how a depleted Manning would fare if the Broncos got behind against a strong Carolina defense.

Otherwise, Cam Newton’s first Super Bowl experience was a walk in the park. Manning was just 9 for 16 for 76 yards and an interception in the half.

Ealy was the first player with three sacks in a Super Bowl since Darnell Dockett in 2009 for Arizona.

Despite great field position, the Broncos had to settle for a field goal after Panthers defensive end Jared Allen tackled running back C.J. Anderson for no gain and Broncos offensive lineman Louis Vasquez was flagged for holding.

Earlier, Miller laid a big hit on Newton near the sideline. He joined his brother, Eli, and 10 other quarterbacks as multiple Super Bowl winners.

Carolina still managed to finish No. 1 in the league in scoring this season, putting up 500 points in the regular season and 80 more in the postseason. “I’m going to take some time to reflect”.

Manning didn’t play flawlessly, but he did enough, which is all a suffocating Broncos-led defense has needed this season. Considering his four neck surgeries has left his arm like a noodle, that doctors have told him he eventually will need a hip replacement, that he was almost in tears on the eve of the Super Bowl addressing his teammates, it sure feels like it. He didn’t launch himself headlong after the ball the way he often does into the end zone, but considering he’s taken far more hits than any quarterback in the NFL since he entered the league, is it really wise to question his toughness or desire now?

“It’s very special, I’m very proud of these guys”, Manning said afterwards.

Denver drew first blood, Manning quickly into his rhythm to march the Broncos upfield in a 10-play 64-yard drive that culminated with Brandon McManus drilling over a 34-yard field goal.

Denver’s first touchdown came when Miller blew past Remmers and ripped the ball out of Newton’s grasp. Carolina’s next drive ended with a punt, but when Denver’s Jordan Norwood fielded the ball two nearby Panthers – Colin Jones and Teddy Williams – eased up, as if they thought he called for a fair catch.

“They made more plays than us and that’s what it comes down to”, Newton said before walking out of a brief three-minute interview following Carolina’s 24-10 Super Bowl loss to Denver.