5 Biggest Takeaways from Broncos Super Bowl 50 Win over the Panthers
The Denver Broncos won the third championship in franchise history as they beat the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 by the score of 24-10. The Broncos offense struggled to do much against a Panthers defense that was known as being quite opportunistic. While the Panthers had a very good defense this season, the Broncos had a great defense—and one that belongs in the conversation of all-time greats.
The Broncos defense was completely dominant against the league’s best offense. The old saying goes “defense wins championships” and that is a mantra that proved true for the Broncos on Super Bowl Sunday.
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak was proud of his entire team after the big win.
“This is a hell of a football team, and we’ve been grinding all year long. I’m just so proud of the organization and just so proud of the players.”
Here are the five biggest takeaways from the Broncos win over the Panthers.
C.J. Anderson Productive as the Starter
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The Broncos had a change to the starting lineup for Super Bowl 50 at the running back position. Ronnie Hillman had started the entire postseason for the Broncos since taking over as the lead back in Week 8. However, when the team came onto the field for their first drive, C.J. Anderson was the starter.
It proved to be the best decision for the Broncos.
While Hillman struggled to find any rushing room in the playoffs, Anderson had been a key player in the Broncos Super Bowl run. In the big game, playing back in his home state of California, Anderson made sure to put forth his best effort against a tough Panthers defense. The team’s first rushing attempt came on their fifth play in their first drive, and Anderson burst through the line for eight yards; it was a sign of things to come.
Anderson toted the rock 23 times for 90 yards and one rushing touchdown on Sunday. He was also helpful as a sure-handed receiver, catching all four of the passes thrown his way.
Coming through with a big rushing play seems to be a pattern for Anderson in the postseason. In all three playoff games this season, Anderson has had a carry of 30 yards or longer. Against the Panthers, Anderson was able to power his way to a 34-yard gain.
The Broncos didn’t do much on offense, but the heart of the team on that side of the ball was Anderson.
Peyton Manning Triumphs Through Struggles
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In what could've been his final game in the NFL, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning struggled for most of the game. Manning finished the Super Bowl going 13-of-23 for 141 passing yards with no touchdowns and one interception. The team only converted one of 14 third downs and possessed the ball for only 27 minutes and 13 seconds.
Despite the struggles, Manning did enough to move the ball into position for key field goals and the game-winning touchdown plunge by Anderson was the icing on the cake.
This season was likely the most trying in Manning’s entire career—and it could be his final season in the NFL. Manning dodged the question multiple times after the game, and we won’t know for sure if this is his final game or not for some time. The way Manning’s body broke down this year, he might decide that it’s best for him to walk away from the game as a champion.
Manning was understandably glowing after the game.
"It’s a special feeling, and I think it’s still kind of sinking in," he said. "It took everything to beat Carolina. Our defense has carried us all year, and they were at their best tonight."
Tight end Owen Daniels was clear when talking about this possibly being Manning’s final game: "He deserves this. He deserves to go out like a champion. If he does end up retiring, then he goes out with a bang."
This is the storybook ending that most players dream of. The last Hall of Fame quarterback to go out on top was Broncos general manager John Elway after he won Super Bowl XXXIII. Manning may take a cue from Elway once again and hang up his cleats remembered as one of the best to ever play the position.
Darian Stewart the Unsung Hero
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A player who may not get enough credit for his performance in Super Bowl 50 is free safety Darian Stewart. The Broncos defense swarmed Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, and the team’s pass-rushers chased him down all night.
With Newton extending plays, the players in the secondary were largely left on islands for most of the game. While strong safety T.J. Ward patrolled close to the line of scrimmage, Stewart was tasked with covering speedy receivers downfield.
Stewart made key plays as a pass and run defender on Sunday. He finished the game with three tackles (all solo), one sack and two passes defensed. In addition to knocking down Newton and knocking passes away, one of the biggest plays Stewart made was as a run defender.
During the second quarter with the Broncos up 13-7, huge fullback Mike Tolbert charged into the second level of the defense, but Stewart bravely took him on to take him down. Stewart placed his helmet on the football, shooting it out of Tolbert’s clutches and into the Broncos hands. That play helped stunt any momentum the Panthers were building at that time.
Stewart may not get the headlines, but wise fans know how huge this veteran safety was to the Broncos victory.
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DeMarcus Ware Everywhere
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Manning might not be the only player to retire after the Super Bowl as a champion. If this was his last game, linebacker DeMarcus Ware made a huge statement. Like Manning, Ware is likely a first-ballot Hall of Famer after his playing days are done. Ware had battled back injuries earlier this year, but the time off during the season (Ware missed five games) helped the veteran get healthy and take his game to another level in the postseason.
“It feels great to be a champion. There’s nothing like it,” Ware said smiling.
Ware was reunited with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips this year after the two were with the Dallas Cowboys years ago. The veteran pass-rusher admits the impact Phillips had on his defense was immense.
“When we go through our meetings, Wade is mellow. When we get our play-calling, it’s so aggressive. I feel like Wade talks through his plays.” Ware continued, “It’s great to play for a guy like Wade, and he helped us unleash against the Panthers.”
Seemingly everywhere on the field, Ware made his presence felt. He sacked Newton twice and hit the huge passer four times—each one taking a toll on his opponent. Newton is one of the best in the league, but as the game wore on it looked like he became more uncomfortable with each snap.
Ware instantly became a leader for the Broncos defense when he was signed as a free agent before the 2014 season. The Broncos certainly followed his lead on Sunday.
Von Miller Unstoppable
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The decision for who should be Super Bowl 50 MVP was an easy one. Von Miller was unstoppable on Sunday, and his play helped seal the victory for the Broncos. Miller had 2.5 sacks, one pass defensed and six total tackles. When Miller charged around the edge early in the game to knock the ball away for a fumble recovered in the end zone by Malik Jackson, it was only a sign of things to come.
Miller swarmed Newton most of the night, and his second forced fumble might have been the play to seal the victory.
After the game, Miller revealed that he knew the team was on the right track earlier in the week: "I felt like we had this game at the beginning of the week. The energy that we had earlier in the week carried over into this game."
Going up against a quarterback like Newton is not an easy task. Miller knew the team had their work cut out for them facing a huge passer who can gash a team as a runner. "We were going against a highly talented team. We know what type of team they are, and it feels good to go out and get it done."
Like Ware, Miller praised his defensive coordinator after the game: "Coach Phillips had a great game plan. He was the mastermind behind everything."
While Phillips may be the mastermind, it was Miller who was the supercharger for the game plan put in place.
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.
Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.
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