In a game featuring two MVP quarterbacks — the Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning has five, Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers won his first this season — it was defense that made the difference in Super Bowl 50. Manning was rather ordinary by his standards, completing just 13 of 23 passes for 141 yards and throwing an interception. But Newton was even more inaccurate, completing 18 of 41. Broncos linebacker Von Miller turned in an MVP performance as he forced two Carolina fumbles and finished with 2.5 sacks. Denver had seven sacks total, and the two teams set a Super Bowl record with 12 combined in the game. The Broncos also forced four turnovers, one of which was a fumble recovery in the end zone that gave them a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Late in the game, they recovered another fumble at the Carolina 4-yard line, leading to their only offensive touchdown. For its part, Carolina’s strong defense played well, forcing two turnovers. In all, Denver amassed only 194 yards on offense, the fewest ever for a Super Bowl champion. But that was good enough as Miller and the rest of the Broncos’ top-ranked defense saved their best game for last, topping the Panthers 24-10. It was the third Super Bowl win in Broncos history.
Read more about the Broncos’ win over the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
