Super Bowl Quarter Score 2016: Panthers vs. Broncos 3rd-Quarter Update and Recap

Twice on Sunday did the Carolina Panthers make a big play in the passing game in an attempt to put points on board.

Twice now they couldn't take advantage, as the Denver Broncos headed into the fourth quarter leading 16-7 in Super Bowl 50.   

Momentum appeared to be on Carolina's side two plays into the third quarter. Signal-caller Cam Newton found wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. over the middle for a 45-yard gain. Despite that, the Panthers couldn't find the end zone or put points on the board. Graham Gano's 44-yard field-goal attempt hit the right upright.

It's been a long time since the Super Bowl saw a missed field goal, per the NFL:

In a defensive battle like this one, every score is a crucial one, and that Gano miss could prove costly in the final frame, per Raul Martinez of Fox 31 in Denver:

After Brandon McManus nailed his third field goal to make it a nine-point contest, the Panthers went back to the vertical game. This time, Newton found wideout Corey Brown in between safety T.J. Ward and cornerback Aqib Talib for a 42-yard gain.

Once again, the Panthers offense stalled with a chance to put points on the board. Newton's first interception of the game landed in the hands of Ward after Ginn couldn't reel in the second-down pass.

NFL Network provided a clip of Ward's interception, which was almost for not had the fumble at the end been recovered by the Panthers:

No matter what the Panthers tried to do on offense, the Broncos seemingly had an answer for them defensively. Newton has completed only 14 of 31 passes up to this point for 218 yards and an interception. Denver linebacker Von Miller has been the difference-maker so far, recording 1.5 sacks, and is making a strong case for Super Bowl MVP. 

Carolina's defense may do enough to keep this a nine-point game, but it'll be up to its MVP quarterback to make this a comeback in the final 15 minutes.