The Denver ‘D’ dusts Carolina in Super Bowl

[...] although the Broncos’ quarterback completed only six passes in the final three quarters, great things happened every time Manning walked to the sideline.

The Denver defense scored one touchdown, set up the team’s only other one and shut down Cam Newton in a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium.

Denver linebacker Von Miller, the game’s Most Valuable Player, had 2½ sacks and was responsible for both of the Broncos’ touchdowns.

Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said the defense talked about “winning the game for Peyton,” and Miller agreed.

The Broncos’ offense put up only 194 yards, a record low for a winning team.

The ball rolled into the end zone and was recovered by Denver defensive end Malik Jackson for a touchdown and 10-0 lead.

With his team down 16-7 and having moved to the Broncos’ 28 midway through the third quarter, Newton threw a high pass that went off Ted Ginn Jr.’s hands and was intercepted by T.J. Ward.

Manning got off to a good start, completing 4 of 6 passes on Denver’s first drive, leading to Brandon McManus’ 34-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead, the first time the Panthers have trailed all postseason.

Carolina lost two fumbles on third-down plays, and its only touchdown came early in the second quarter on Jonathan Stewart’s 1-yard plunge.

The game seemed to be turning the Panthers’ way, but Denver’s Jordan Norwood turned the right corner for a 61-yard punt return.

The Panthers, who had outscored opponents 55-7 in the first half in their first two playoff games, trailed 13-7 when Coldplay took the stage.

[...] it could have been worse, as Manning threw an interception with Denver at the Panthers’ 24-yard line, costing the Broncos a potential field goal.