The long anticipated second ring for veteran quarterback Peyton Manning has finally arrived. Manning had an outstanding performance last night during Super Bowl 50 to lead his team to victory over Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, 24-10. Though the focus was on Newton and Manning in this battle of experience and old versus new competition, the Denver Broncos defense was the showstopper of the night. The Broncos’ annoying defensive line certainly put the D in defense by forcing the Panthers to have six turnovers and 18 penalties.
Though Cam Newton is known for running the football for first downs, this night he was known for running away from players like Von Miller, who was named MVP of the game for forcing Newton to be quite uncomfortable in pocket all game. Miller is only the 10th defensive player to win MVP.
While the world patiently awaited his signature moves ending with a “dab,” Newton completed just 18 of 41 passes for 265 yards. He fumbled twice, was intercepted once and was sacked six times. The teams combined to set a Super Bowl record for most sacks with 12. The Panthers barely “dabbed” a foot into the in zone. This was the third Super Bowl win in Broncos history and I do not think it went at all as everyone thought—guess that’s what makes the Super Bowls one of the most watched events every year.
The Panthers were overall not in sync with each other, starting with their leader Newton. Even when he had a little bit of time to make a play, he was unsuccessful at throwing risky passes. On top of all things going wrong, Carolina came out a little strong with a 45-yard pass from Newton to his wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. at the beginning of the third quarter, but 44-yard field-goal attempt by Carolina’s kicker, Graham Gano misses the goal. It was all downhill from there. Manning did not throw a touchdown this game, but he set up a 30-yard field goal for their kicker Brandon McManus that put Denver ahead, 16-7.
The game continued to be sloppy and unlike a Super Bowl game at all. There was a number of turnovers, including Manning’s fumble. The game was clearly all about the Broncos’ defense, who stole the show and perhaps earned the win for Denver. Even though it was supposed to be Manning versus Newton, it ended up being Cam versus the Broncos defense.
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