Super Bowl 2016 Highlights: Examining Pivotal Moments from Panthers vs. Broncos

Von Miller all but sealed the Denver Broncos’ 24-10 victory in Super Bowl 50 by forcing a Cam Newton fumble that positioned the Broncos to take a two-possession lead and hold on to win the franchise’s third Lombardi Trophy on Sunday.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was widely criticized for not attempting to fall on the ball. Many fans on Twitter classified it as a “business decision” to not risk injury by taking yet another hit from Denver’s vaunted defense.

Here’s a look at the play:

With four minutes, four seconds remaining in the game and Carolina trailing by only six points, many on Twitter—including Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post and former New York Jets defensive end Hugh Douglas—questioned Newton’s decision:

Miller was named MVP for his heroics, which included 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles—the first of which Malik Jackson recovered in the end zone to help Denver take a 10-0 first-quarter lead:

Yet Denver’s first touchdown may have never manifested had a controversial call two plays prior gone in Carolina’s favor.

Panthers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery almost made an impressive catch deep downfield, but the officials ruled it incomplete even after head coach Ron Rivera challenged the call. Cotchery had the ball in his hands, but as safety Darian Stewart tackled him, the ball shifted and may have touched the ground.

Yet many believed Cotchery maintained possession as he went to the ground. NFL on ESPN conducted a poll after the play:

The Panthers had a slew of opportunities but were marred by their three turnovers, tying a season high. They were also plagued by a special teams blunder when reliable kicker Graham Gano missed a 44-yard field goal early in the third quarter that would’ve made it a one-possession game.

Twitter’s Josh Ober and NFL Retweet shared some humor at Gano’s expense:

Newton met with the media for less than a minute after finishing 18-of-41 for 265 yards with no touchdowns and one interception while taking six sacks in the loss.

Newton’s pick came with less than six minutes remaining in the third quarter while the Panthers were driving to score. Receiver Ted Ginn Jr., as reliable as any in Newton's arsenal, tipped the ball to Broncos safety T.J. Ward, as the NFL showed:

The interception was a byproduct of the Broncos’ incredible pass rush, which rattled Newton throughout Sunday’s contest and forced him to play out of character, as John Clayton of ESPN noted:

Despite his incredible run this season, Miller was not among the finalists for the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year Award.

The Broncos made many big plays throughout the regular season and playoffs, and their top-ranked defense again made the difference as the team brought home the third Lombardi Trophy in its illustrious history.