Every NFL team's most devastating loss of all time

Every NFL team’s most devastating loss of all time

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after taking a sack in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions during the NFC Wildcard Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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Players from the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos try to recover a lose ball during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California February 7, 2016.The Broncos beat the Panthers 24-10. / AFP / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers: Super Bowl 50 vs Denver Broncos

The Panthers were in the midst of the best season in franchise history. They had gone 15-1 in the regular season, a franchise best. Plus, Cam Newton was coming off by far the best season in his career, winning the MVP award in 2015.

The Panthers made it through the playoffs to the Super Bowl, where they would face the Denver Broncos. Denver fielded one of the best defenses of the last 20 years, and they would turn out to be the difference in the game. With the Broncos leading 3-0 early on, Broncos edge rusher Von Miller stripped the ball from Cam Newton, which was recovered in the end zone by Malik Jackson for a Denver touchdown.

The fumble set the tone for the rest of the game. The Broncos defense remained in control for the next three quarters. With less than five minutes remaining in the game, the Panthers trailed 16-10 and were driving. Newton was stripped of the ball again, and didn’t dive on the ball. The Broncos recovered and eventually scored to seal the win.

Carolina had the better offense coming into the game, but the Broncos legendary defense put their foot down on the Panthers.

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