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The defenses showed up bigtime in Super Bowl 50. For the Broncos it was the usual suspects, as Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware combined for big plays early. But for the Panthers, a little-known defensive end was making plays throughout the game to keep his time alive.
Kony Ealy, in his second season from Missouri, made several big plays for the Panthers. He quietly accumulated three sacks, one of which was a diving swipe of Manning as he slipped to the ground. But Ealy’s biggest play came in the second quarter, but he dropped back into a zone that surprised Manning. He made an athletic one-handed grab for an interception, a turnover that gave renewed life to Carolina after a Mike Tolbert fumble.
A second round pick in 2014, Kony started nine games during the regular season, finishing with five sacks. The Panthers bolstered their pass rushed by acquiring Jared Allen midseason, making more opportunities for lesser-known rushers like Ealy.
The Panthers defense made some nice plays, but they were outmatched by the defense across the sidelines. Denver’s pass rush was overwhelming, sacking Cam Newton six times. Both quarterbacks struggled, but Denver was able to force more turnovers, giving them the difference and the title.