Broncos defense keys upset of Panthers in Super Bowl 50

If this was Peyton Manning’s career swan song, then Von Miller and the Denver Broncos defense made sure that it was a memorable one. Miller led the charge as the Broncos recorded seven sacks, forced four turnovers and scored a defensive touchdown to beat the Carolina Panthers by the score of 24-10 Sunday night at Levis Stadium in Super Bowl 50.

Miller had two and a half sacks and forced two fumbles that led to scores.

The first came was in the first quarter when he sacked and stripped the newly minted NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton. Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown to put the Broncos ahead 10-0.

The second sack, strip, fumble was in the fourth quarter with the Broncos nursing a 16-10 lead with the Panthers at their own 25. Miller got Newton again on a play that resulted in T.J. Ward recovering the ball on the four yard line.

C.J. Anderson scored on a two yard run two plays later where he churned his legs and broke tackles by Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis to seal the game to clinch Denver’s third Super Bowl championship.

Manning went 13 for 23 for 141 yards and an interception for the Broncos, but he managed the game well enough to win with an incredible defense. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips earned his first Super Bowl championship after coaching in the NFL for 39 seasons.

Miller was named the Super Bowl MVP, but you could have made a case for Ward, who also had an interception and Demarcus Ware, who had two sacks on Newton.

Newton went 18 for 41 for 265 yards and an interception and Jonathan Stewart had 12 carries for 29 yards and the only touchdown of the game for the Panthers, who were seeking their first Super Bowl championship.

As good as a story as Manning winning a second trophy is, that would not have been done without one of the best performances by a defense in a Super Bowl.

Twitter: @bwalkerdadon