While not a Super Bowl masterpiece, Denver quarterback Peyton Manning, one of the best quarterbacks of his era, can now ride off into retirement with two NFL titles.
In a turnover-marred game, the Broncos, behind a tenacious defense, defeated the Carolina Panthers, 24-10, on Sunday before 71,088 fans at Levi’s Stadium.Manning, who has made four appearances in the NFL’s grandest game, led Indianapolis to a victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. But he also had Super Bowl losses to New Orleans (XLIV) while with the Colts and to Seattle (XLVIII) with Denver.
Here are seven things we learned from Super Bowl 50:
1. Manning to retire?: Manning is 39 and had one of his more difficult seasons. He battled through a torn plantar fascia and strained rib injuries, missing seven games while backup Brock Osweiler established himself as his heir-apparent.
Manning entered Super Bowl 50 as the NFL all-time leading passer with a 71,940 yards passing. He opened the game by driving the Broncos to a field goal to take a 3-0 lead and the Broncos never lost the lead.
Manning said he was advised by his former coach Tony Dungy to not make an emotional decision about his future.
“I’m going to take some time,” Manning said. “I’m going to enjoy this tonight and take it one step at a time.”
Denver coach Gary Kubiak was in his first season as the Broncos coach.
“He knew this team had a chance to win a championship,” Kubiak said. “I’m just so proud of him and want he did to make his way back (from injury) and what he meant to this group.”
2. Newton's magic missing: The Panthers closed to within 16-10, but Newton couldn't work any fourth-quarter magic. He fumbled with 4:16 to play when Denver outside linebacker Vin Miller stripped him for the second time in the game.
Both strips lead for touchdowns. Newton completed just 18 of 41 for 265 yards.
The Broncos did a excellent job of taking away the Panthers’ runs up the middle off of their read-zone plays and blanketed Carolina tight end Greg Olsen
The Panthers finish the season 17-2.
“We’ve talked about getting to the moutain peak and obviously we’re at the top of the mountain, but we’re not at the peak,” Carolina coach Ron Rivera said.
3. Defensive battle: The defenses controlled the first half, with Denver's pass rush sacking the Panthers four times for a loss of 37 yards
Miller set the tone early when he zoomed past Panthers right tackle Mike Remmers and snatched the ball off Newton on the Panthers’ second possession.
Denver’s Malik Jackson recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown and the Broncos jumped out to a 10-0 lead.
4. Talib costs Broncos: Talib helped the Panthers get some momentum.
In a drive that started in the first period and stretched into the second quarter, the Panthers hit plays of 20, 11, 12, 19 and 13 yards. Newton’s 13-yard pass to Corey Brown moved the ball to the Broncos’ 2, but Talib’s facemask penalty put the ball on the 1.
Running back Jonathan Stewart scored from a yard out. With the extra point, the Panthers moved within 10-7.
5. Punt return record: Denver punt returner Jordan Norwood broke free for a 61-yard punt return in the second quarter. It was the longest punt return in Super Bowl history.
The previous longest punt return was by San Francisco’s John Taylor’s 45-yarder against Cincinnati in Super Bowl XXIII.
Panthers’ cover men Colin Jones and Teddy Williams appeared to think Norwood called for a fair catch. He didn’t and broke free out to his right and up the side line for the long gainer.
Backup defensive end Mario Addison made a huge hustle play to catch and tackled Norwood at Carolina’s 14 yard line.
The Broncos had to settle for a field goal after Louis Vasquez was called for holding on fourth-and-1 from the Panthers 4. Brandon McManus’ 37-yard field goal gave the Broncos a 13-7 lead.
6. Failed trickeration: After closing to 10-7, the Panthers attempted to catch the Broncos off guard with a throwback pass.
Newton threw the ball behind the line of scrimmage to wide receiver Ted Ginn, who was set to throw it back to Newton. But Denver defensive lineman man Malik Jackson sniffed out play and stayed with Newton.
Ginn was sacked for a 4-yard loss.
The play stalled the Panthers’ offense, which was forced to punt. On their subsequent possession, the Panthers’ fumbled, had a three-and-out and time run out at the half as Newton was sacked by DeMarcus Ware.
7. Miller leads sack party: Miller dominated the game. The combined 12 sacks between the two teams in the game set a new Super Bowl record. Newton was sacked seven times and wide receiver Ted Ginn was sacked once.
“When you have DeMarcus and Von you have to let those guys go,” Denver defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. “I’ve been lucky to be with a lot great defense.”
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