The difference between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 was basically the pass rush of Denver’s front seven. Denver linebacker Von Miller recorded 2.5 sacks, as well as a pair of crucial forced fumbles, on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton that directly led to the 14-point difference in Denver’s 24–10 win.
Perhaps part of the difference in play is how the Broncos were able to adapt to a new sod that was laid down just before the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium and then was beat up by the traditional halftime performance.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera didn’t use the field as an excuse. “Both teams played on the same field. As far as I’m concerned, for me to be able to blame the field is kind of a cop out. The truth of the matter is we both played on the surface. The surface was outstanding.”
