Denver Broncos dominate Carolina Panthers in 24-10 Super Bowl win
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Carolina Panthers Mike Tolbert (35) fumbles as he is taken down by Denver Broncos Darian Stewart (26) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game today in Santa Clara, Calif.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) runs past Denver Broncos Derek Wolfe (95) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game today in Santa Clara, Calif.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Carolina Panthers Jonathan Stewart, left, runs around Denver Broncos Danny Trevathan during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game today in Santa Clara, Calif.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) reacts during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game against the Denver Broncos today in Santa Clara, Calif.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Denver Broncos Peyton Manning (18) throws during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game against the Carolina Panthers today in Santa Clara, Calif.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Denver Broncos Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates after sacking Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game today in Santa Clara, Calif.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton, left, talks to Denver Broncos Peyton Manning (18) after the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game today in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos won 24-10.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Denver Broncos Tyler Polumbus (76) smiles as his kids Noah and Lydia, left, play with the confetti after the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game today in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos won 24-10.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. » A reborn Orange Crush might have sent Peyton Manning into retirement with a Super ending to his career.
Von Miller and the impenetrable Denver defense harassed Panthers quarterback Cam Newton all game Sunday, and the Broncos made enough big plays for a 24-10 victory, Manning’s 200th and perhaps his last before retirement.
He wasn’t the star of Super Bowl 50 — game MVP Miller seemingly was everywhere on every Carolina play — but Manning really hasn’t been the headliner in this injury-shortened season.
“This game was much like this season has been, testing our toughness, our resiliency, our unselfishness,” he said. “It’s only fitting that it turned out that way.”
Emulating his Broncos boss, John Elway, the 39-year-old Manning can ride off with the Lombardi Trophy after leading Denver to its third NFL title, first since 1999 — when Elway was the quarterback.
“I’ll take some time to reflect,” Manning said when asked if this is the end. “I got a couple priorities first. I’m going to go kiss my wife and my kids. … I’m going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight.”
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
Denver’s suffocating defense kept Newton jittery all day. Despite wearing gold shoes before the golden Super Bowl, Newton couldn’t finish off a dynamic season in which he was the league’s MVP. Miller twice stripped him, once for a touchdown, the second time setting up a clinching TD. Denver’s top-ranked defense, the one that ran roughshod over Tom Brady in the AFC championship, simply wouldn’t let Newton get comfortable.
“There was a certain point where it was like guys on the sideline were saying, ‘Cam is very stressed,’” Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby said. “For two weeks straight that’s all we heard was Cam this, Cam that, dab this, dab that. They were dabbing in their team photos. It was very disrespectful. We wanted to come out and prove that we’re the best.”
Newton was sacked six times — receiver Ted Ginn Jr., went down once on an aborted trick play — and if Miller wasn’t torturing him, DeMarcus Ware was. Ware had two of the seven sacks, equaling the most by one team in the Super Bowl.
Carolina led the league with 500 points but was held to its fewest of the year, and Denver set an ignominious mark with 194 yards gained, the fewest for a Super Bowl winner.
So what: The Broncos (15-4) are champions and Manning is the first quarterback to win Super Bowls with two franchises, Indianapolis in 2007 was the other. Gary Kubiak is the first to win a Super Bowl as player and coach for the same team.
Manning finished 13 for 23 for 141 yards against a strong Carolina (17-2) defense that just couldn’t match Miller and company.
“I feel very, very grateful,” Manning said. … “Obviously, it’s very special to cap it off with a Super Bowl championship.”
Denver’s defense stole Carolina’s act. The Panthers led the league with 39 takeaways and were a plus-20 in turnovers. On the Super Bowl stage, though, Assistant Coach of the Year Wade Phillips got his first ring because his unit was impenetrable.
It was a far cry from two years ago, when the Broncos were routed by Seattle 43-8.
“It feels great,” said Miller, who had six tackles, 2 1-2 sacks, two hurries, the two forced fumbles and a pass defensed. “Peyton and DeMarcus and coach Phillips and all the guys that have been deserving their whole, whole career. I did this for them. I put my neck on the line for those guys.”
Manning opened the game with an 18-yard completion to Owen Daniels, later hit Andre Caldwell for 22, and C.J. Anderson had a 13-yard run before Brandon McManus kicked a 34-yard field goal.
Carolina’s Ron Rivera, the Coach of the Year, soon after lost a challenge on a pass to Jerricho Cotchery , and it was a key decision. Two plays later, Miller burst through and didn’t even go for the sack. He reached directly for the ball, stripping it from Newton. It rolled to the goal line, where Malik Jackson pounced on it for a 10-0 lead.
Miller dabbed in the end zone in front of legions of orange-clad Broncos fans after Denver’s first defensive touchdown in a Super Bowl.
The only time Newton produced came on a 73-yard drive to make it 10-7. Jonathan Stewart, back from hurting his right foot earlier, dived in from the 1.
Sloppiness — and strong defense — marked the rest of the game.
The first half ended 13-7 after McManus made a 33-yarder that followed the longest punt return in Super Bowl history. Brad Nortman’s kick from his 12 was barely deflected, and the ball fluttered to Jordan Norwood. One Panther bumped Norwood, who didn’t call for a fair catch. Escorted by a bevy of blockers, he appeared headed for a touchdown until DE Mario Addison chased him down at the Carolina 14, a 61-yard jaunt.
Denver also forced the first fumble of the season by All-Pro fullback Mike Tolbert.
But the Broncos also had a giveaway when Manning was picked by DE Kony Ealy on a zone blitz deep in Panthers territory.
Carolina’s Graham Gano hit the right upright on a 44-yard field goal attempt to open the second half. Then his counterpart, McManus, made his 10th in as many postseason tries for a 16-7 margin. The kicker was rescuing Denver’s inept short-yardage offense, just as he did in a playoff win over Pittsburgh when he made five field goals.
Gano made a 39-yarder with 10:21 remaining. At 16-10, the 50th Super Bowl came down to Denver’s defense finishing it off.
Who else but Miller stripped Newton and T.J. Ward recovered at the Carolina 4. Anderson scored from the 2 following a third-down holding call on All-Pro CB Josh Norman. A 2-point conversion was simply window dressing.
“We dropped balls,” said Newton, slouched in a chair with little interest in explaining the outcome. “We turned the ball over. We gave up sacks. We threw errant passes. That’s it.”
36 responses to “Denver Broncos dominate Carolina Panthers in 24-10 Super Bowl win”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Denver’s offense can’t score for nothing. Thanks to their defense. Manning needs to retire after this year. No zip on the ball when he throws.
Panther fan?
No Bronco fan but would have like to see the offense score more. Manning has accomplished so much that i hate for him to continue play and get some serious injury.
Like to see him coaching college or work with some NFL team like Elway.
Actually, I’m a Unitas fan from his start with the Colts, and hated to see him stay in the game too long. I’m hoping Peyton won’t go down the same path, especially with this perfect opportunity to retire. Sometimes strong competitors have a tough time letting go.
I agree. Peyton should retire on a winning note capping one heckava great career. Peyton to Marvin Harrison was one of the best combos I have ever seen. Mahalo for the memories Peyton!
Bronco Defense played great. Manning can’t throw as hard as Newton but was more than good enough to to beat them. He probably could go another year but it is best he retire on top. And how many points were scored by the defense?
Reminded me of the Kahuku St.Louis game. The favorite had a highly touted QB but the opposing teams defense was mean. Defense does WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Peyton may have had the worse performance of a winning quarterback in Super Bowl history, but he had the best performance as a leader of the team leading up to the game, getting all his guy to buy in. What would you rather have? A immature, arrogant, pretentious, “look at me” guy that can throw the ball a hundred yards, run like the win, plow through the opposition quarterback that never showed up; or a true leader that new it was going to take the play of his defense and the rest of his team to get them the win? If you listen to all the defensive players, they talk about Peyton’s leadership. Cam is no leader.
True in any team sport. But let’s not take away too much credit from the kid that got them to the Super Bowl to begin with. It’s not easy getting there for sure. Everyone worked hard. Kudos to all.
“Defense wins championships.” Have you heard that before?
Now 10 out of 12 times the top ranked defense has won it all according to Super Bowl stats. Bet the house next time they are the underdog.
Panthers tried! That’s what counts!
Yes, all out!
Love Cam Newton. But looked like he gave up even when they still had a chance to win. But he’ll learn. Talib is a dirty player who should have been thrown out of the game for that face mask foul. Very happy for Manning and he should retire.
Peyton Mannings career …… Amazing
Von Millers dominance………Awesome
The totally dejected look on Cam Newtons face…..Priceless !!!!!
“Peyton Mannings career …… Amazing” (assuming you meant to say Manning’s – and to use a small ‘a’ for amazing.)
Not so much when his HGH supply guy doesn’t deliver Peyton’s parcels for the big games. Well done, Von Miller; you overcame Peyton’s alarming propensity to choke in the post-season. Is anyone still considering this HGH-addled choke boy for the HOF after this mess?
I guess you have first hand information regarding those accusations. Nothing you or anyone else can say can downplay that Peyton has had an incredible career. So what that he didn’t have the best of games. He did enough, along with his team to WIN! As for fig Newton, his arrogance finally bit him in the a**. I was loving every minute of his crash and burn session. He was ‘schooled’ by Miller and he as well as his fans can sit and cry about it alllll the way until next season!
And as for him going into the HOF, its a lock! I’m not sure what you have been smoking since Manning has been in the NFL, but obviously you haven’t really followed his career. That’s OK, the rest of the planet has made up for your negligence in recognizing his talent and more so his humbleness towards the game and life!
In your face Isray! Peyton won another Super Bowl, where’s yours?
Von Miller MVP, gig ’em!
Cam is a crybaby. He can bask in the glory but when he loses he is like a baby whimpering……what a loser…..comes out in the pregame and prances all around like some sort of rock star only to be buried in an avalanche of Denver’s defense and then can’t answer questions like a man in the post-game interview……what a crumb!!!
Yep, Denver was serving up some humble pie. No dabbin allowed.
newton answered questions as best as he could. he ended the interview early, but, really, it’s just a bunch of sports reporters who want to rehash every second of the game over and over. and it’s just a game, even if it is the super bowl, it’s just a game.
he’s young. he’ll learn, or, he won’t be there.
love rolovich’s tweet: “Dear Ikaika, Beau, Aaron or Cole, I dare you not to jump on that fumble.”
“We win like men, we lose like men.” That’s what Karl Malone said to the TV cameras 20 years ago after the Utah Jazz were eliminated in the playoffs by Seattle. I never forgot that. No excuses, no regrets. Just class.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/493626/JAZZ-LOSE-BUT-THEY-DO-IT-LIKE-MEN.html?pg=all
Well said Row13. I don’t know when in your face taunting and poor losers making deflateaball excuses became part of sports. Great team efforts appreciated and shake your opponent’s hand sportsmanship should be the order of the day at the end of any hard fought game or event. Teach your children well everyone.
At the end of the game, Cam crossed the field to congratulate Peyton. At the end of the 2010 Super Bowl, after losing, Peyton ran off the field without shaking hands with Drew Brees or anyone else. Unsportsmanlike behavior by a white quarterback — no problem; short post-game interview by black quarterback — big problem.
Had you ever achieved anything at the level these guys are at you’d better understand what frustration and self disappointment can do. Momentary lapses are very different than seasonal behavior. Do you really think that had Russell Wilson been the losing QB that he’d have received the same reactions Newton has gotten? Newton not going for the fumble says far more than any interviews or handshakes, but it should be written off due to the same intense personal frustration that prompted Manning to head to the locker room in 2010.
Are they poor sports? Only the clueless would say that about either man. Cam will grow from bitter defeat and come back better than ever, and Manning will end a great career.
What I saw at the post game media opportunity was a totally dejected man. He was beat and bet up by Denver. His behavior at the media event was totally appropriate, the guy lost on the biggest stage. He should feel bad. I would have been more worried if he showed up at the press conference and tried to do the whole glass half full thing and talking about how they had a great season and would be back next year, blah bla, blah. Give the man a break.
Von Miller is the closest thing to L.T. that I’ve seen!
I guess this means Jebus WON’T be coming soon after all. The Prophet blew this call:
http://www.liberalamerica.org/2016/02/01/rick-joyner-reveals-what-a-carolina-panthers-victory-in-the-super-bowl-will-really-mean/
They all played a great game…I just did not appreciate the strength of the Denver defense. Obvious winner Denver…the losers? Perhaps they should provide a roster of what CA taxes will be paid by all participants. Absolutely no coverage on the taxes paid to the State of CA…Regardless congratulations to Denver.
What’s your point????
Great game. Interesting to see one quarterback at the end of a stellar, record-setting career, and the other just beginning. I just hope he can learn to ignore the media hype, and learn how to lose gracefully. People need to give him time.
I wonder how many other quarterbacks could have done any better against both defenses? Both defenses played outstandingly. Both offenses struggled all game.
The old mantra about defense and special teams winning games was so true yesterday.
You got the feeling the Broncos would win when Cam Newton, behind only 16-10, seemingly gave up when he just stood there on the fumble. No fight to regain the ball. NO MAS! When the leader has no fight left in him, the team will follow suit. Newton will have a hard time explaining his non-action scene.