Ranking Every Super Bowl Of The 2010s, From Worst To Best

There seems to be a theme emerging here with freshly ordained MVPs failing to cap off their glorious individual seasons with championships.

That’s exactly what happened in the golden anniversary of the NFL’s biggest game, with most of the pre-game hype surrounding Panthers QB Cam Newton, ready and waiting to cement his place as the future face of the league. beaming smile and all.

It was Carolina’s high-flying Superman, however, who met his Kryptonite in Denver’s ferocious pass rush, headed by DeMarcus Ware and game MVP Von Miller. Newton was made uncomfortable from the start, with the offense looking nigh-on unrecognisable from the explosive unit that had scored 49 points in the previous round.

Sacks and turnovers were more prominent than touchdowns, with the most memorable play of the game belonging to Miller as he stripped the ball from Newton’s hands resulting in a defensive score for the Broncos. Truly, Carolina hadn’t faced a defense like this all season.

Although Peyton Manning was little better on the other side, resulting in an ugly game, the spectacle of Newton’s neutralisation was remarkable to watch. By the end, Cam was reduced to sulking on the sideline and ducking out of post-game interviews, while Manning the Sheriff finally rode into the sunset with a second ring.

Such an ending was appropriate for the stage, but the game itself was hardly the showcase the league was hoping for.