Super Bowl Quarter Score 2016: Panthers vs. Broncos 2nd-Quarter Update and Recap

The Denver Broncos defense is the difference-maker, but the Carolina Panthers are on the board, trailing 13-7 at halftime in Super Bowl 50.

The Panthers finally got on the board Sunday after a terrific response by MVP quarterback Cam Newton and the offense just one drive after Carolina gave up a touchdown on the forced fumble by Denver linebacker Von Miller. Running back Jonathan Stewart's one-yard touchdown with 11 minutes, 25 seconds left in the quarter made it a 10-7 game.  

SportsCenter captured this photo of Stewart catapulting over the goal line:

Before that, however, came another questionable decision by Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib. He was flagged for his second personal foul—a 15-yard facemask penalty—after wide receiver Corey Brown's 13-yard catch before Stewart's touchdown. Talib was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on Carolina's previous drive

The cornerback's three penalties were already the most times he's been flagged in a game this season, per ESPN Stats & Info.

For as questionable as that unsportsmanlike-conduct call was, there was no doubt on the facemask, per ESPN's Mike Greenberg:

ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold set the scene on the Broncos sideline after the touchdown, especially after Talib was flagged for offside on the extra-point attempt:

Despite seeming to have gained all momentum, Carolina couldn't take advantage. The Panthers' next two drives ended with three-and-outs and a fumble by fullback Mike Tolbert, which gave Denver the ball back. ESPN.com's Dan Graziano commented on how Carolina's second turnover of the game was derailing the Panthers' progress:  

Not to be outdone, however, the Panthers defense responded. It picked off quarterback Peyton Manning thanks to an acrobatic one-handed interception by defensive end Kony Ealy.

ESPN's Trey Wingo shared his thoughts on Ealy's terrific snag:

Dallas Cowboys star receiver Dez Bryant marveled at the big man's athleticism:

Heading into halftime, both defenses are living up to their billing. It hasn't been pretty offensively, but there were flashes of Carolina being able to move the ball. Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald noted that Carolina ended the first half with 12 first downs compared to only four from the Broncos.

Newton was 8-of-19 for 95 yards in the first half, while Manning completed only nine of 16 passes for 76 yards and one interception.

The Panthers are moving the ball but need to get in the red zone and put points on the board. Denver's defense is playing at an all-time high. What will also be crucial is for Carolina not to lose any challenges for the rest of the game.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera lost his first challenge on the no-catch by Jerricho Cotchery in the first quarter and had to use the final challenge on a sack by Ealy on Manning. As he fell to the ground, Manning was touched by Ealy before getting back up and trying to evade the sack. It worked out for the Panthers, as the Broncos punted at the end of that possession.

If this game is close and needs to be decided on a game-changing play, that could play a factor in the second half.