NFL Playoffs 2012: 10 Players Who Have the Most to Prove

We're a little more than a week away from the 2012 NFL Playoffs, and several teams are already gearing up for a possible Super Bowl run. There are role players and stars on each team that have something to prove, but some have more pressure on them than others.

Can quarterbacks not named Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees be successful in this year's tournament? Can the Packers and Patriots defenses show they belong in the playoffs? Can the New York stars on the Giants and Jets step up? 

These are just some of the questions facing the 2012 playoff participants. Here are the 10 players that have the most to prove in the postseason.

Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are in the playoffs for the first time since 1999, and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh played a major role in the team's resurgence.

However, his after-the-whistle and off-the-field misconduct nearly cost the Lions a chance at the playoffs. They're lucky his antics didn't end up sabotaging the season.

These playoffs are an opportunity for Suh to put his apologies into action.

Will he show his team and the league that he can make a positive impact on the field without getting penalties or causing distractions?

Arian Foster and the Houston Texans Running Game

Considering that rookie quarterback T.J. Yates is under center, the Houston Texans will depend on running back Arian Foster to be effective every time he touches the ball.

Foster is a back with a great feel for the game, and he scampered for more than 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns this year. Can he continue that success against some staunch defensive fronts?

To reach the Super Bowl, Houston will have to get past teams like Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Denver, all of which have tenacious defenses.

Foster needs to be at the top of his game, and the Texans will count on him to produce even though defenses will be focused on stopping him.

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Alex Smith was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft, and until this season, he was a disappointment to San Francisco fans.

2011 has been a different story. Jim Harbaugh pushed all the right buttons and Smith has become a more efficient quarterback. He's also engineered several comebacks and has led the 49ers to their best record since 1998.

But his playmaking and ability to throw the ball deep downfield are still questionable. He is still a predominantly conservative quarterback, and it remains to be seen whether he can match scores with the likes of Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.

Can Smith keep NFC playoff-caliber defenses honest by applying downfield pressure on them? He'll have his chance to prove himself in a couple of weeks.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow's stock rose exponentially when he led the Denver Broncos out of the AFC West cellar with a streak of thrilling comeback wins. Then the stock took a hit with his last couple of performances, ending in losses against the Patriots and Bills.

Tebow has a winning record as a starter this year, but it remains to be seen whether he can take down an elite NFL opponent. Most of his wins were against mediocre teams, and when he did face top-tier clubs like Detroit and New England, the Broncos lost.

The playoffs are an excellent opportunity for Tebow to prove to Broncos brass that he is their long-term solution at quarterback.

He doesn't need to reach the Super Bowl, but a win or two on the road would go a long way to improve his favor in the front office.

Justin Tuck, New York Giants

Justin Tuck is a big-name player who has come up small for the New York Giants this season.

In nine games he's registered just 35 tackles and four sacks. With Tuck underperforming, the G-men have faltered on defense, giving up 255 yards passing and 126 yards rushing per game.

I know he's a block occupier for his teammates, so he doesn't get the gaudy numbers like Jason Pierre-Paul. Nevertheless, Tuck is one of the veteran leaders of this defense, and he needs to make more plays for them in the postseason.

As frustrating as this season has been, he can redeem himself and validate his blockbuster status with a strong playoff showing.

NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman doesn't have to prove anything to me as far as defensive prowess goes. These playoffs are an occasion for Bowman to stick it to Pro Bowl voters who snubbed him.

He's fifth in the NFL in tackles with 133, and only one defender on a playoff team (Atlanta's Curtis Lofton) has more tackles than him on the season.

Bowman and Patrick Willis have helped make San Francisco's 3-4 defense one of the most imposing units in the NFL. They will have their hands full when facing some of the best offenses in the NFL in the playoffs. Are they up to the challenge to prove their Pro Bowl worthiness?

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC, but can he win a shootout against Green Bay or New Orleans to propel the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl? The question is that simple.

Ryan has thrown for more than 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, but most of his success has come against mediocre opponents.

When they ran into stiff competition, Atlanta lost most of the time. The Falcons were swept by Drew Brees and the Saints and had disappointing losses to playoff teams such as Green Bay and Houston.

Ryan has an excellent collection of weapons around him, so let's see if he can utilize them en route to a deep playoff run.

Rob Ninkovich and the Patriots Defense

The New England Patriots defense lacks five-star talent and has been plagued by injuries this season, but it's still disappointing to see how bad they've been.

Rob Ninkovich was the name chosen to represent the team on this list, because much is expected of him in the playoffs. But the onus is on the entire defense to crank it up a notch come playoff time.

They've given up more passing yards than any other NFL team, which is not a statistic that Bill Belichick or any coach wants to be a part of. Against the running game, they're not much better.

Ninkovich, Kyle Arrington and the rest of the Patriots can't afford to give up big plays in January. The alternative is an early vacation.

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo has led the Dallas Cowboys into the playoff picture with 29 touchdowns and a 102 quarterback rating. No one doubts that he's talented.

But almost everyone wonders whether he's a championship-caliber quarterback.

Romo's playoff resume' is weak, and that's not entirely his fault. However, he's the signal-caller, the one that has the most pressure on him to produce.

Fortunately for him and his team, all it takes is one memorable run to cement his legacy as the quarterback who brought glory back to America's team. If Dallas makes the playoffs, will he make the most of this opportunity?

Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

If the New York Jets sneak into playoffs, all eyes are going to be on Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan.

Jets fans and media are concerned that Sanchez can't get to the next level. He hasn't improved from 2010 to 2011, and despite Rex Ryan's loyalty, many are wondering if he should be the Jets' franchise quarterback.

A completion percentage of 56 and a passer rating of 79 indicate that Sanchez has a long way to go before he's considered a first-rate quarterback.

If he doesn't get the Jets to the postseason, or if he stumbles when he gets there, he'll be on thin ice in New York. Mark "Sanchize" Sanchez has plenty to prove come January.