The Denver Broncos advanced to Super Bowl 50 with a win over the New England Patriots in Sunday's AFC Championship game, 20-18. The lead up to the AFC Championship game focused on the 17th meeting of quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but it Denver's defense was the real story on Sunday as they are proving to be a defense that will be remembered for many years to come.
Denver linebacker Von Miller was the star of Sunday's Championship game. He was all over the field for the Broncos defense. Miller recorded 2.5 sacks, five tackles, and an interception. Head coach Gary Kubiak and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips have seemingly done an incredible job in their first season in Denver, and have truly turned this team into a defensive powerhouse.
While the defense led the Broncos to victory on Sunday, Manning played well early and was smart with the football late. The Broncos quarterback had 176 yards and two touchdowns passing on the afternoon, and proved he can still fit the ball in tight windows. This is Manning's second trip to the Super Bowl in four seasons with the Broncos, but this team is completely different than the prior version, as the Denver defense is now playing on another level.
Super Bowl 50 will mark Manning's fourth Super Bowl appearance in his career, and the Broncos will await the winner of NFC Championship game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers.
