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Broncos’ Von Miller makes up for missed chance, is Super Bowl MVP

Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) strips the ball from Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, leading to a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Malik Jackson (not pictured).

Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) strips the ball from Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, leading to a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Malik Jackson (not pictured).

(Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
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Von Miller was the second pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Cam Newton was the first.

Miller came out on top Sunday and was selected most valuable player of Super Bowl 50 after sacking Newton 21/2 times and forcing two fumbles in the Denver Broncos’ 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium.

Miller, an outside linebacker, was forced to sit out the Broncos’ 2014 Super Bowl loss against the Seattle Seahawks because of a knee injury.

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He made the most of his opportunity against the Panthers, completing a star-turning season in style by leading a defense that recorded seven sacks and intercepted a pass.

“It feels great,” Miller said. “We have been working for two years. Me and my teammates and all my guys. This is what you work for.”

Both fumbles Miller forced led to touchdowns.

“I’m going for the ball every time,” he said. “That’s just the type of football player I am. If it was basketball, I’d definitely be a three-point shooter. I’m definitely going for the ball.”

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In the first quarter, Miller came from Newton’s right side and sacked and stripped him of the ball. End Malik Jackson recovered it in the end zone.

In the fourth quarter, Miller knocked the ball out of Newton’s hand and safety T.J. Ward recovered the ball at the nine.

The Broncos scored a few plays later on C.J. Anderson’s short run.

Sunday’s performance was the second consecutive dominating effort by the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Miller. Two weeks ago, he had two sacks and intercepted a pass in the AFC championship game victory over the New England Patriots.

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Miller is only the second defensive player in 13 years to win the Super Bowl MVP award.

“It just shows what type of defense we’ve been playing,” Miller said. “It’s honestly not about me. If I could cut this award I would give it to [linebacker] DeMarcus [Ware] and [end Derek] Wolfe and all the other guys. ... The MVP is great but I’ll take the ring.”

Miller credited defensive coordinator Wade Phillips for an outstanding game plan.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Phillips said, “and my lifetime is getting shorter so I’m glad we won this one as a coach.”

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