The Denver Broncos produced a defensive masterclass to upset the Carolina Panthers 24-10 and win Super Bowl 50. Carolina were heavy favourites, having lost only once all season and with the league’s Most Valuable Player of the season Cam Newton at quarterback.
But Newton was smothered by the Broncos defence and gave up three turnovers – including one that led to a touchdown. That opened up an early 10-0 lead for Denver, quarterbacked by veteran Peyton Manning, and they never lost it.
It had been rumoured the game would be 39-year-old Manning’s last, but he said afterwards he would “take time to reflect”. “It’s been an emotional week and it’s an emotional night,” he added.
Newton did not have a good game, but he was not helped by an awful display by Carolina’s receivers, with Jerricho Cotchery guilty of two particularly crucial drops.
It’s a third Super Bowl title for the Broncos, while for the Panthers, the wait for their first goes on, reports the BBC.
Photo credit: NFL