For so many years, legendary Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s career was defined by his gaudy regular season numbers that weren’t enough come playoff time. A lack of help from teammates or the inability to thrive against stellar defenses from teams such as New England and Seattle left Manning with just one Super Bowl title in his first 13 playoff trips.
So perhaps it was fitting that after carrying teammates for most of his career, Manning got lots of help from his defense yesterday as the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50.
Here are the five top memories from Super Bowl 50 everyone is talking about:
Denver’s dominant defense, “Orange Rush”
After knocking off former Super Bowl champions Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady and then holding Panther’s Cam Newton and the NFL’s highest-scoring offense to its lowest point total of the season, the Broncos stated their case to stand next to Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain defenses of the 1970s, the dominant 1985 Chicago Bears, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 2013 Seattle Seahawks on the list of top defenses with their dominate performance Sunday.
In their playoff run, Denver recorded 14 sacks, forced seven turnovers and allowed just four touchdowns in three playoff wins.
Super Bowl MVP Von Miller set the tone early when he blew past right tackle Mike Remmers and ripped the ball out of Newton’s grasp. Malik Jackson recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown to put Denver up 10-0.
Then in the fourth quarter with the Broncos protecting a 16-10 lead, Miller struck again. Once again, he got around Remmers and knocked the ball out of Newton’s hands. T.J. Ward recovered at the 4 and C.J. Anderson sealed it with a TD run.
“In my opinion, we’re the greatest defense to ever play the game,” linebacker Brandon Marshall said. “Ever. It’s a bold statement but top to bottom, we have the greatest talent — from rushers to safeties to linebackers. Better than anybody’s ever done it.”
Lady Gaga wows with National Anthem
Before the game, Lady Gaga performed a classically lovely version of the national anthem, accompanied by a piano and looking sharp in a red pantsuit with matching eye shadow.
Perhaps relieved with the pressure done, she vamped a little on “the brave” at the end, causing a flutter among betting houses that annually set odds on how long it would take to sing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Compared to a lackluster halftime show and commercials that failed to wow, Gaga’s performance stole the show and was the most memorable.
Peyton rides out into the sunset
He wasn’t the star of Super Bowl 50 — game MVP Miller seemingly was everywhere on every Carolina play — but Manning really hasn’t been the headliner in this injury-shortened season.
“This game was much like this season has been, testing our toughness, our resiliency, our unselfishness,” he said. “It’s only fitting that it turned out that way.”
Emulating his Broncos boss, John Elway, the 39-year-old Manning can ride off with the Lombardi Trophy after leading Denver to its third NFL title, first since 1999 — when Elway was the quarterback.
“I’ll take some time to reflect,” Manning said when asked if this is the end. “I got a couple priorities first. I’m going to go kiss my wife and my kids. … I’m going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight.”
Longest punt return in Super Bowl history
It wasn’t just big plays from the defense that helped Manning. A historic special teams play helped Denver break out to the lead in the first half.
Jordan Norwood set up an important Denver score with the longest punt return in Super Bowl history (61 yards) and the Broncos took a 13-7 halftime lead over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Manning had led a field-goal drive to open the game, but Denver did not get a first down on its next four drives. Manning was just 9 for 16 for 76 yards and an interception in the half.
So special teams picked up the slack. The first half ended 13-7 after Denver kicker Brandon McManus made a 33-yarder that followed the longest punt return in Super Bowl history. Panther Brad Nortman’s punt from his 12 was barely deflected, and the ball fluttered to Jordan Norwood. One Panther bumped Norwood, who didn’t call for a fair catch. Escorted by a bevy of blockers, he appeared headed for a touchdown until DE Mario Addison chased him down at the Carolina 14, a 61-yard jaunt.
Cam Newton vows, “We’ll be back.”
Carolina quarterback Cam Newton didn’t say much after the Panthers lost Super Bowl 50 on Sunday night, failing to answer questions about his strange behavior following one fumble where it appeared he jumped away from the ball instead of diving for it. But in his post-game press conference, the league’s MVP did promise this: “We’ll be back.”
But will they?
Only time will tell. The Panthers could fade into oblivion, like the San Francisco 49ers did after losing the Super Bowl three years ago. Or they could bounce back, just like these Denver Broncos did after a devastating loss in the big game two years ago.
Either way, Carolina’s mettle will be tested when they report to training camp in Spartanburg, South Carolina this summer.
The Associated Press contributed to this article
A good Super Bowl. A breath of fresh air from watching the “greatest” quarterback ever to play in Foxborough, MA. Manning won by 2 touch downs. Very convincingly. Unlike Brady, Manning didn’t have to rely on last second field goals or Pete Carroll’s epic blunder to get a ring.
Half time was the worst bunch of bs ive seen turn it off next year if they cant do better
I agree 100% with you….it was the worst….the commercials were bad, bad too…too many of them and took up too much time….I would not have paid the $5,000,000 for a 30 second ad they paid….they got screwed.
Actualy they SCREWED themselves for making such a CRAPPY comercial!
I am 81 and don’t remember a good one.
The biggest moment I remember was when Cam Newton fumbled the ball behind the line, stepped back and made no effort whatsoever to recover it even though he was the closest to the ball! This says a lot to me about the arrogant, self-centered QB!
Yes, his attitude throughout the game was very undeserving of a champion, or a league MVP for that matter. He has much to learn yet. There is a BIG difference between a talented athlete and a GREAT athlete.
Agree with you. Seems he can’t control his temper.
Woo Hoo! Loved the game. I am a huge fan of Peyton Manning and the entire Bronchos team, great teamwork! Wish our Federal Government could perform teamwork like that. Best of luck to all the Bronchos.
As a longtime Denver Broncos fan and John Elway fan, as well as a Peyton Manning fan since before his first Superbowl victory with the Colts, I was ecstatic to see them win! I wanted that for Peyton Manning since this was very likely his last game. It’s always nice to see one of the games Great’s leave on a high note. Though this was not one of his better personal performances, it was still a nice win. As for Cam Newton and the Panthers, this will hopefully be a wake-up call. Cam has great talent but seems to lack a bit of humility and maturity. I think this loss could serve as a learning block for the future. Just like other extraordinary quarterbacks in the past (John Elway, Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, etc.), this game cannot be won by one person, it takes a whole team on both sides of the ball. These quarterbacks have all experienced great personal seasons leading their teams to the Championship only to fall flat at the end. I wish Cam Newton all the best and success in his future.
Glad to see Manning do the “trick” on what could be his last league game. The half-time thing??? What a flop, I watched only a few minutes and left to return when the game resumed. If I was an advertiser, today (monday) I’d be telling them what a poor and lousy production, at least what I saw.
The game was great.
Lady gaga was wonderful.
As in any NFL team, the QB is only as good as his team-mates, most of which did not show up in the trenches. I have always felt that Newton was too self centered to be anywhere near the caliber and persona of a Peyton Manning. The fumble and his non-action absolutely paints a picture of an “empty suit”.
Peyton manning an the entire manning family of super stars starting from Dad on down. Wat a wonderful dynasty GO DENVER
The problem was and is Cam Newton, he started believing the press clippings he had,,thus he got clobbered and his pouting during the after the game session he had with the press was disgrace..pouting. The sad part is that Cam Newton has immense talent, if he can only channel them positively.
What a wimp Newton is. His bragging did him not an once of good. And instead of giving a decent halfway new conference he decided his feelings were hurt to such a degree that he walked out. He is a no class guy who thought he was unbeatable. Well Denver and Manning showed him otherwise. He should have swallowed his pride a litle bit and congratulated the Broncos. I said in the past and I’ll keep saying it….great defense beats great offense every time.
I was so sick of the announcers. They were so sure that Carolina would win. The only thing they said about Manning was this would be his last game. The fact that they couldn’t congratulate him and only asked if this was his last game was unprofessional. Whether or not it’s his last game could have waited. Who cares if Cam is twenty-six and Manning was 39 “The oldest QB” to pay in the super bowl. Did they have to say it over and over and over. I turned the sound down. Then I realized this was just like listening to anything political. Very one sided…. Too bad the game wasn’t on FOX….
Not such a great team on the whole
They don’t play ball they only look for ways to knock the other quarterback down . I’m a older lady I might could to that. Good throws, great plays, that good football, never only knocking the quarterback down. I’m not proud for them or of them
What a trashy halftime show! Disgraceful with children watching! Be once should be ashamed at the way she was dressed and danced. Is this what she wants little girls to aspire to? I may be old fashioned, but come on! The choreography was terrible too. Looked like something practiced in her garage. Driving up in a limo, and having bodyguards doesn’t make up for talent. The police you raised your fist at, made it possible for your presence at the game. Keeping you safe and all the fans. Shame! All the stupid commercials were a waist of money if you ask me!
I thought that ?lady gag me was plain shit. if she can’t sing? it the way it was meant to be sung, don’t MURDER it like she did. I had to turn the volume off. as far as the half time crap, I watched the PUPPY BOWL one hell of a lot more entertaining that a bunch of half naked BROADS making asses of themselves.