The Broncos scored early and never trailed as they held the league's highest-scoring offense in check en route to capturing their first Super Bowl title in 17 years.
Denver's Peyton Manning, 39, playing in what could be the final game of his storied NFL game, added another line in the record books as he is now the oldest quarterback to play in a Super Bowl and first to reach 200 wins in the NFL.
But it was the top-ranked Denver defense that can claim credit for the victory after holding the league's highest-scoring offence to a single touchdown and 10 points.
The Denver defense was led by Von Miller who forced Panthers quarterback Cam Newton into two fumbles that were both converted into touchdowns.
Trailing 3-0 in the opening quarter, Carolina quickly found themselves in an even deeper hole when Miller barreled into Newton and stripped the ball from his hands before defensive end Malik Jackson fell on the ball in the end zone for the game’s first touchdown.
