The Super Bowl is basically an American holiday. Between all the food and hilarious (or sometimes not so hilarious) commercials, sometimes it's easy to almost over look the game. Especially if you're not a die hard football fan. But among all those festivities yesterday, a football game actually did take place. A pretty good one that nearly 111.9 million people watched, falling just shy of last year's record of 114.4 million.
The game started off well for the Denver Broncos, moving the ball to the Carolina Panthers' 14-yard line early on. The Panthers' defense kicked it up a notch, keeping the Broncos from gaining many yards over the next few plays. However, the Broncos still pulled ahead by three after a 34-yard field goal from Brandon McManus.
In addition to the first score of the game, the Broncos also had the first touchdown. Linebacker Von Miller sacked Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton, knocking the ball out of his hands. It was recovered in the end zone by Broncos' defensive end Malik Jackson, putting Denver ahead 10-0.
Not to be kept down for long, the Panthers began a 73-yard scoring drive with Newton attempting - and completing - four passed and rushing twice. The drive ended with a one yard run by running back Jonathan Stewart. This brought the score up 10-7.
Following receiver Jordan Norwood's Super Bowl record 61-yard punt return, the Broncos scored again. This time with a 33-yard field goal from McManus to again increase their lead, 13-7, the last score for the half.
McManus again scored for the Broncos, the first in the second half, with another 33-yard field goal to bring the score to 16-7.
It wasn't until the fourth quarter that another score was made. A 39-yard field goal by Graham Gano would bring the Panthers up to 10, trailing by only a touchdown.
Closing in on the end of the game, Carolina set up to make that score. However, Miller stripped the ball from Newton, and though several players went for it, it was recovered by Denver safety T.J. Ward, setting the Broncos up to win.
Denver running back C.J. Anderson scored on a two-yard drive, followed by a completed for a two point conversion from quarterback Peyton Manning to wide receiver Bennie Fowler. This would bring the score up to 24-10 with Denver still in the lead. This was also the final score of the game.
This was the Super Bowl win for the Denver Broncos and Von Miller was named Most Valuable Player with two and a half sacks. Miller is the fourth linebacker to be named MVP.
