Von Miller, Broncos pummel Cam Newton for strip-sack TD

Troy Machir

Von Miller, Broncos pummel Cam Newton for strip-sack TD image

SANTA CLARA — Round 1 of the matchup between Cam Newton and the vaunted Broncos defense did not go well for the newly-minted NFL MVP.

Newton was pressured on nearly every play of the first drive and looked rattled, overthrowing a wide-open Corey Brown by a good margin.

On the Panthers' second drive, Newton appeared to connect with Ted Ginn Jr. on a deep slant up the middle. The play was ruled an incomplete pass, and after a review, the call was confirmed. 

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On the very next play, Von Miller drilled Newton on a blind-side sack. Malik Jackson scooped up Newton's fumble for an easy touchdown, making it 10-0 halfway through the first quarter.

The Broncos' early game plan appeared to involve speed on the outside to get to Newton, while the secondary stayed in the middle of the field. Carolina receivers were able to get open, but Newton hadn't had enough time to make his throws.

 

Troy Machir