Two number one seeded teams. Two former number one overall draft picks anchoring the offense at quarterback. The league’s top ranked defense and top ranked scoring offense. The stage was set for an epic Super Bowl Sunday on February 7, 2016.

The Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers, led by icon Peyton Manning and burgeoning face of the league Cam Newton, respectively, met at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California for the 50th edition of the Super Bowl. The Broncos, the victors by a score of 24-10, made their second Super Bowl appearance in three years thanks to home victories against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round of the playoffs and New England Patriots, their ultimate foes, in the AFC championship. The team’s path to this year’s Super Bowl proved very unlike their first trip, though. Boasting the league’s number one offense because of their potent aerial attack in 2013, the Broncos outgunned their opponents to victory despite losing to the Seattle Seahawks. Since then, in part due to Peyton Manning’s advanced age (he turns 40 years old on March 24th) and questionable health, the team transformed its identity to a more run-oriented, defensive-minded football team. Prior to the season, the team and former head coach John Fox mutually parted ways, and former defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio accepted an offer to become the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. These job openings led the way to the hirings of Gary Kubiak as the new head coach and Wade Phillips as the new defensive coordinators, both of whom had previous ties to the team. Phillips in particular experienced prior success in a prominent role with the team; in 1989, in the first year of his first stint with the team under the same role, Phillip’s defense was an integral part of the Denver Broncos’ run to the Super Bowl. Now, in 2016, Phillips’ efforts would lead to another Super Bowl run in the first year of his new tenure with the team.

The game was advertised as the battle between Peyton Manning and Cam Newton in what would perhaps be Peyton’s “last rodeo,” the first time first overall selections would meet in a Super Bowl. And why wouldn’t the spotlight be placed on the two? The game is dominated by franchise quarterbacks; in fact, Peyton is joined by Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tom Brady of the New England Patriots to form an illustrious trio of quarterbacks who have represented the league in twelve of the past thirteen Super Bowls.

In reality, though, the game wasn’t that simple. Manning was at the end of one of the most tumultuous seasons of his career. He threw seventeen interceptions in ten games and didn’t even recover his starting role until a few days before his first playoff matchup. If there were to be a star performance during the game, it would come from Cam Newton, a central figure in the new, groundbreaking NFL. A dual threat to both run and pass, Newton led the heavily favored and the extremely firepowered Panthers into the contest. According to CBS, the Panthers were a 5.5 point favorite over the Broncos. Going into the game, the Panthers were 17-1, and the Broncos 14-4.

Newton failed to provide results, though, as Denver’s defense completely smothered him. Led by the MVP of the contest, Von Miller, the Broncos sacked Newton seven times. Miller was responsible for two fumbles that led to two touchdowns. The Broncos also forced two other turnovers by means of one fumble and one interception. Defense proved to be critical in this year’s Super Bowl as Peyton Manning threw 0 touchdowns and the Broncos’ offense scored only one touchdown. The Panthers’ Kony Ealy also recorded 3 sacks, breaking the Super Bowl record. However, the Panthers were unproductive and the Broncos’ defense and field goals became the deciding factors in this year’s championship game.

For Peyton Manning, the game was potentially legacy-altering. With two rings to his name and a record 200 wins, Manning may now more than ever be willing to step away and ride into the sunset as a champion. Manning was hesitant to reveal his plans during the postgame interview, simply saying that he would take some time to enjoy the moment with his teammates and family. Those close to him, however, are expecting his departure. His father and former NFL quarterback Archie Manning said, “I think Peyton’s done in Denver. He may be done everywhere.” If this is in fact the end for Manning, he has definitely cemented his place among the all-time greats with a fairytale ending. Besides, the future Hall of Fame quarterback cashed in on an extra 4 million dollars for winning the Super Bowl. What better way is there to end a career?

Unfortunately for Cam Newton and the Panthers, the Broncos were able to limit the highest scoring team to only 10 points in the Super Bowl. The Panthers also recorded a season low offensive rating that led to a Super Bowl loss. The flamboyant Newton was no longer dabbing and the quarterback walked out of his postgame conference. Entering the Super Bowl with a 17-1 record, the Panthers were heavy favorites over the Broncos. However, the Panthers failed to execute in the most important game of the year and essentially sent Manning to Disneyland to celebrate.