Broncos claim title as Super Bowl 50 Champions
Denver Broncos quarterback, Peyton Manning, holds the Lombardi Trophy for the first time as the Super Bowl 50 Champion. Courtesy of foxnews.com
The Denver Broncos claimed the Super Bowl 50 title February 7 for the third time since 1998, defeating the Carolina Panthers 24 to 10.
After finishing the season with 12 wins and 4 losses, the Broncos earned their spot in the Super Bowl after defeating last year’s Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots, 18 to 20 in the American Football Conference Championship game January 24.
Courtesy of foxnews.com.
Broncos quarterback Mr. Peyton Manning, the oldest quarterback to play in Super Bowl history, expressed that their win against the Patriots came down to team effort.
“There’s no question this is a sweet day,” Mr. Manning said according to washingtonpost.com. “This was a sweet victory. To me, this victory sort of is a great example of what this entire season has been like. It hasn’t been easy. There’s no question about it, and this game today was a unique football game. Everybody did their part. It truly was a team win.”
The opposing team, the Carolina Panthers, had a winning season with 15 wins and 1 loss. The Panthers beat the Arizona Cardinals 49 to 15 in the National Football Conference Championship to advance to Super Bowl 50. The National Football League’s (NFL) named the Panthers’ quarterback, Cam Newton, the NFL’s most valuable player February 6.
Prior to the start of the game, Lady Gaga, dressed in red, white, and blue, delivered her own rendition of the “The Star Spangled Banner.”
At the start of the first quarter, the Broncos were quick to get a number on the scoreboard with a field goal at 10 minutes and 47 seconds. Shortly after, the Broncos scored a touchdown, leaving the Panthers scoreless at the end of the first quarter.
With a score of 13 to 7 at halftime, the Broncos in the lead, Coldplay lit up the field by singing some of their top hits including “Viva la Vida,” “Paradise,” “Fix You,” and their latest single “Adventure of a Lifetime.” During Coldplay’s song “Fix You,” a montage of past halftime performers was displayed. Bruno Mars and Beyoncé joined the stage to sing their latest hits “Uptown Funk” and “Formation.”
Convent of the Sacred Heart students enjoyed seeing the spirit and energy the performers gave during the halftime show.
Courtesy of patheos.com.
“I felt exhilarated watching Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé perform. I always look forward to the halftime show, and I think this one especially was special because three performers came together to convey a message of love and peace, as ‘Believe in Love’ was displayed across the stands as they sung,” junior Clare Keeney said.
In the third quarter, only the Broncos scored a field goal. The Panthers’ kicker scored a 44-yard field goal attempt with 10 minutes and 26 seconds left in the fourth quarter. This cut the deficit to 16-10. Late in that period, Broncos linebacker Mr. Von Miller forced his second fumble on Panther quarterback, which Broncos player Mr. T.J. Ward recovered and returned for a touchdown. With 3 minutes and 8 seconds left, Broncos finished the game with another touchdown by running back Mr. C.J. Anderson, and a two point conversion, making the final score 24 to 10.
During the Broncos’ celebration, the NFL named Miller the Super Bowl’s most valuable player for his two sacks, six total tackles, and two forced fumbles, according to CNN. Owner of the Broncos Mr. Pat Bowlen is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and could not make it to the game, therefore, Mr. John Elway, the Broncos general manager, and Mr. Bowlen’s wife, Annabel Bowlen, accepted the Lombardi Trophy. They dedicated the win to Mr. Bowlen.
Although rumors have been surfacing that Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning is retiring and this win was his last game, Mr. Manning refused to comment when questioned.
“I’m going to follow my coach’s advice. I’m going to enjoy this Super Bowl victory. I’m going to celebrate with my family, and I’ll keep doing it for a few more weeks. And then at the appropriate time, I think I’ll make a decision. Whatever the decision is, I’m at peace with it,” Mr. Manning said, according to today.com.
– Kristen Davis, Sports & Health Editor
