Broncos fend off Patriots, punch Super Bowl ticket

Peyton Manning will be heading to the Super Bowl for the third time in his career after Sunday’s win. Credit: Getty Images

It started off slowly for a heavyweight bout between two of the best quarterbacks of all-time.

But 400 yards, two touchdowns and 60 minutes later, Peyton Manning walked off the field triumphant and with his thirs career date in the Super Bowl as the Broncos prevailed 26-16 over the Patriots Sunday afternoon.

Tom Brady and New England made things interesting down the stretch, a Shane Vereen touchdown run putting the Patriots just a two-point conversion away from trailing by just one score, but the Broncos defense held strong and went on to run down the clock to clinch the victory.

The Broncos gained 507 yards to the Patriots 320 and committed no turnovers as they controlled the game on both sides of the ball.