The Denver Broncos entered Super Bowl 50 with one of the most prolific quarterbacks in National Football League history, but they won their third Super Bowl on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, 24-10, because their defense stifled the high powered Carolina Panthers. Later in the quarter, Newton threw an interception into the hands of safety T.J. Ward, quashing a promising drive that had Carolina in Denver territory.
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Denver sacked Carolina quarterback Cam Newton six times, 2 1/2 of them by linebacker Von Miller, chosen as the game’s Most Valuable Player, and two by linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
Back came Carolina though, and in Newton’s only drive of note, he set-up Jonathan Stewart to leap over the pile-up and score from close range to reduce the lead.
The best thing for Peyton Manning is that he won the 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. They led the NFL in total defense, pass defense and sacks in the regular season, and they still have quarterback Peyton Manning, who will one day have an induction date for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Manning completed 13 of 23 passes for 141 yards.
Worst ball security I: Newton dropped back to pass on third-and-10 midway through the first quarter and Miller blasted into him for a sack and aggressive strip.
It was the first fumble recovery for a touchdown in a Super Bowl in 22 years.
The Broncos appeared as if they would capitalize with a touchdown when running back C.J. Anderson picked up necessary yardage on fourth and one at the five. Newton also hit Ginn for a 14-yard gain to the Denver 25.
Not when he’s now tied with brother Eli with two Super Bowl rings each.
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. He said after the game that he would “take some time to reflect”, which basically means he’ll say it when he’s ready and not before.
“I feel very, very grateful”, Manning said.
While she isn’t the headliner this year, it will be the second Super Bowl halftime show for Beyonce, who was the featured entertainment in New Orleans at Super Bowl XLVII.
If he bothers watching his last game, he’ll see a quarterback who looked all of his 39 years and more. Sure they stall before reaching the red zone, but kicker Graham Ganno trots out for a 44-yard field-goal attempt and clanks it off the right upright. It was recovered by Ward, who returned it 12 yards to the Panthers’ 4-yard line. “Way to go! What a run off for (Peyton) Manning for his last rodeo”, longtime supporter Susan Tomlinson said.
A sullen Cam Newton was not remotely interested in speaking with the media after the Panthers lost Super Bowl 50 and abruptly left the podium in the middle of his media session.
Newton fumbled twice, with Miller forcing both, and threw an interception.
Update 8:01 p.m. ET: Jordan Norwood of the Broncos makes a 61-yard punt return to set a Super Bowl record. In the fourth quarter, Broncos coach Gary Kubiak actually took the ball out of Manning’s hands, opting to run on third and long with the game in the balance and rely on the Broncos defense to win the game.
Tone set early: The tone for this one was set early when Miller hit Newton inside the 5-yard-line, then stripped the ball from his arms for good measure.
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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.
