Giants vs. Patriots: Predicting 4 Players Who Could Be the Next David Tyree

In Super Bowl XLII, New York Giants receiver David Tyree made arguably the single greatest catch in NFL history.

That being said, Tyree was basically an unknown player until that moment. So, with the Patriots and Giants dueling once again and both having stout pass offenses, chances are another Tyree-esque moment happens again.

So, here are two players from each team that could be the next David Tyree.

Ramses Barden, Giants

Ramses Barden has been with the Giants since 2009 and has played in a total of 17 games.

2011, however, he played in eight regular season games, catching nine passes for 94 yards and five going for first downs.

Comparing that to Tyree from 2007, Barden is already ahead of the game. The question is whether or not he gets an opportunity in the Super Bowl.

For as great as the New York passing game is, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ramses get some targets once in the game because Eli knows how to spread the rock around. Not to mention, Ramses is 6'6", 224 pounds, so he may be used in red-zone situations.

Couldn't hurt to consider the dynamic since New England's defense does lock it down when backed up.

Matthew Slater, Patriots

This season, Matthew Slater caught just one pass, but it went for 46 yards. And it was way back in Week 1 on Monday night against the Dolphins in Miami.

So, it's safe to say that, outside of the Patriots organization, no one is aware of Slater.

Well, much like David Tyree, taking advantage of your opportunities is what can make you famous. And if that opportunity presents itself on Super Bowl Sunday to Slater, he must take advantage.

This season, Slater was selected to the 2012 Pro Bowl as the AFC's special-teamer, so chances are that his big play happens on a punt or kickoff.

Either way, making yourself known on the NFL's biggest stage is all that matters.

Devin Thomas, Giants

If there's evidence that you must have special teams to win games, the 2011-12 NFC Championship was just that.

San Francisco return man Kyle Williams fumbled two punts and both were recovered by Giants gunner Devin Thomas.

Although Williams is the more trending player because of the fumbles, Thomas' efforts should not go overlooked. That being said, expect Thomas to make another impact on special teams in the Super Bowl, because New England did fumble a kickoff and has struggled in getting yards on punt returns.

Provided that Thomas keeps proving his value to New York on special teams, he'll definitely see a few snaps at receiver to make an even bigger impact.

Tiquan Underwood, Patriots

For anyone who wants the late 1980s/early 1990s high-top fade to make a comeback like myself, root for New England's Tiquan Underwood to make a David Tyree-esque impact in Super Bowl XLVI.

Another special team gamer, Underwood is more known as a kick returner than receiver but only made that impact in 2010 while with Jacksonville.

In New England, he's been on and off the team all season because of roster limitations, but he is now part of the Patriots' Super Bowl squad.

Unless an unfortunate injury were to occur to the receiving core, expect Tiquan's opportunity to arise on special teams. Maybe a kickoff return for a touchdown or a game-changing hit—anything to get that camera time on a big spotlight.

John Rozum on Twitter