The Denver Broncos downed the Carolina Panthers on Sunday Feb. 7 by a score of 24-10 to win Super Bowl 50. An all-time great showing from the Broncos’ defense propelled the team to its third championship in franchise history, allowing Peyton Manning a potential fairytale walk into retirement.
Some analysts chalk up Carolina’s performance as the collapse of a young team, an implosion of inexperience which led the Panthers to beating themselves. But make no mistake; this was a Denver defensive masterpiece, orchestrated by defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and executed by more than a dozen focused, prepared and ruthless defensive Broncos.
Outside linebacker Von Miller posted 2.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles en route to MVP honors. His two strip-sacks provided the Broncos with 14 points off turnovers, highlighting a magical season for Denver’s defensive unit.
Carolina quarterback Cam Newton was harassed from the get-go, as Denver sacked him six times.
Broncos defensive linemen Sylvester Williams, Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe stuffed the run early in the game, turning the Panthers into a one-dimensional team. Once the Carolina run game was abandoned, it was time for the pass rush and coverage to shine, a recipe for success which Denver had implemented all season.
T.J. Ward recorded an interception, but it was the team’s consistency and cohesive play as a unit which won the game. Carolina went 3/15 on third down conversions, while Newton completed only 18 of 41 passes.
Newton looked nervous on his first few passes, which were over-throws. Miller’s blindside sack and forced fumble early on provided seven points, but more importantly, rattled Carolina’s green quarterback.
Entering the game, the season’s MVP was loose and a master of the dab dance move. He exited with a hood draped over his head, slouched over and giving one word answers to the press before leaving mid-interview.
After an early career filled with disappointing losses, it seemed Newton had matured and learned from the lowly times. He’s certainly a future franchise face for the league, however, he still needs to work on his mental fortitude.
Denver won the turnover margin (+2), came out ahead on special teams with a Super Bowl record 61-yard punt return from receiver Jordan Norwood and avoided falling behind early. It was a grind-it-out win, but impressive nonetheless.
The offense was far from great, going 1/14 on third downs and giving up five sacks. However, Manning made some key throws to receiver Emmanuel Sanders down the stretch and running back C.J. Anderson provided a solid 90 yards on 23 carries. Kicker Brandon McManus kicked a perfect game, 3/3, and the offense kept the mistakes to a minimum, refusing to give Carolina prime field position.
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas once again disappeared, registering only one catch on six targets. It seems that the toll of several 100-catch seasons is catching up to him, but he will have a (shorter) offseason now to rest.
The Broncos’ GM and vice president of football operations, John Elway, is the man responsible for assembling this well-rounded, well-coached team.
The man who employs Elway, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, is an equally nostalgic figure in Denver and is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s at the age of 71.
In honor of the man who has created and instilled a winning culture to the team since 1984, John Elway held up the Lombardi Trophy and exclaimed, “This one’s for Pat!” echoing Bowlen’s famous phrase from the 1998 Broncos’ Super Bowl win, “This one’s for John!”
In America’s biggest game, the best football team was crowned as the Broncos lay claim to Super Bowl 50 on the heels of inspiration provided by Peyton Manning, Demarcus Ware and Pat Bowlen.
The Broncos faced their most difficult challenge and battled with vigor and determination before eventually emerging as the ultimate, unquestioned World Champions of football.
