Jordan Norwood picks his spot and runs with it
Denver’s Jordan Norwood, an undistinguished, 29-year-old reserve wide receiver, did not belong high on the list of players likely to make a difference in Sunday’s game.
Norwood’s longest punt return this season was 16 yards against New England in the AFC Championship Game.
Norwood’s 61-yard punt return was the longest in Super Bowl history, eclipsing the 45-yard return by John Taylor of the 49ers (against Cincinnati in Super Bowl XXIII).
Addison’s play proved important when Carolina’s defense stiffened, forcing Denver to settle for a field goal and 13-7 lead midway through the second quarter.
Carolina faced 3rd-and-9 at its 25-yard line, an ideal recipe for Denver’s ferocious pass rush.
The play set up C.J. Anderson’s 2-yard touchdown run with 3:08 remaining, essentially sealing the outcome.
Defensive end Malik Jackson’s fumble recovery in the end zone in the first quarter was the sixth such touchdown in Super Bowl history and the first in 22 years.
Dallas safety James Washington returned a fumble 46 yards in the Cowboys’ 30-13 win over Buffalo in January 1994.
With three field goals, Brandon McManus tied for the third most in Super Bowl history.
The Broncos won despite another quiet game from wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who had 105 catches in the regular season, but only seven in the postseason — including just one (for 8 yards) Sunday.