Denver Shocks Carolina, 24-10

Broncos defense controls favored Panthers
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 7, 2016 5:59 PM CST
Updated Feb 7, 2016 8:26 PM CST
Denver Takes Early Lead
The Denver Broncos’ Von Miller chases a loose ball during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.   (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

The Denver Broncos upset the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday with a dominating defense that forced four turnovers—two of which turned into touchdowns, USA Today reports. Denver opened with two scores in the first quarter, a Brandon McManus 34-yard field goal and a strip-sack of Carolina quarterback Cam Newton that Denver's Malik Jackson recovered in the end zone. The Panthers, held to 28 yards in the first quarter, retaliated with a 5-yard TD run by Jonathan Stewart early in the second quarter. But the Broncos' Jordan Norwood soon slashed across the field for a 61-yard punt return, the longest in Super Bowl history. Stymied in the red zone, Denver settled for a McManus 34-yard field goal.

The teams traded field goals in the second half before Denver again stripped Newton of the ball, forcing a fumble that led to a 2-yard CJ Anderson rushing touchdown. Denver capped it off with a 2-point point-after. Carolina actually led the Santa Clara, Calif., game in passing yards (197 to 104), rushing yards (118 to 90), first downs (21 to 11), and time of possession (32:47 to 27:13), ESPN reports—but trailed all game and for the first time all post-season, notes CBS Sports. Denver linebacker Von Miller, who strip-sacked Newton twice, was named the game's MVP. So was this Denver quarterback Peyton Manning's last rodeo? Asked after the game, he said he'll consider retirement. "I'm gonna drink a lot of Budweiser tonight," he said. (More Super Bowl stories.)

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