Super Bowl 2012: Underrated Players Who Will Dominate on Big Stage

The Super Bowl is where legends are born in the NFL. We have seen many players make or break their careers on this very stage, and this year will be no different. But instead of just telling you that Tom Brady is going to be great again, we wanted to look at the under-the-radar players who will shine. 

Anyone can throw out a superstar that they expect to dominate in the Super Bowl. It takes real analysis to look at players who might not be household names and say they will lead their team to victory. 

So who are the underrated players that will carry their team to victory? (Note: There is one player from each of the four teams left.)

Ed Dickson, Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco's quest for respect likely won't do him any favors, but if he understands his tight end is an asset worth incorporating into the offense, the season will end well for the Ravens. 

The Ravens have always made good use of their tight ends, but too often this season Dickson has gotten lost in the shuffle. He finished the season with 54 catches and 528 yards. Despite those numbers, he did not make a lot of noise in any regular-season game. 

With the 49ers and Giants playing ferocious defense, the tight end will be Flacco's best friend if the Ravens are able to make it to Indianapolis. Don't be surprised if he has at least 10 catches in this game. 

Devin McCourty, New England Patriots

McCourty followed up a terrific rookie season in 2010 with a disappointing effort this season. He had just two interceptions and got burned more often than a No. 1 cornerback should be. 

He is still just 24 years old, so his struggles this season shouldn't be viewed as a sign he can't recover. And what better stage to prove yourself on than the Super Bowl?

The Patriots' offense is going to get all the headlines if the team is able to make it to Indianapolis, but the defense is going to have to step up and make a play for them to win. 

The Giants and 49ers have good playmakers at receiver that will command a lot of attention, and it will be up to McCourty to stop them. 

Antrel Rolle, New York Giants

Since the Giants have made their surprising run to the NFC Championship Game, the offense and defensive line have been getting the lion's share of the credit. But the defensive backs, who were roundly criticized coming into the postseason, have done an incredible job. 

The secondary was supposed to be the weak link of this team, yet here it is having allowed just two points to Atlanta and holding Green Bay to just 20 points. 

Rolle has been at the center of everything the secondary does, and he will be a big part of this team making it to the Super Bowl. He will likely have the unenviable task of spying on Vernon Davis in the NFC Championship Game. 

If he can handle that, he can handle anything. Don't underestimate his importance to this defense on the Giants' march to the Super Bowl. 

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers

Crabtree had a game to forget against New Orleans last week. He dropped at least three passes and was a non-factor. 

Despite his struggles in that game, he has had moments where he has looked like he is going to live up to the potential he had coming out of college. 

Vernon Davis is the No. 1 receiving option for the 49ers, but in the Super Bowl someone else is going to have to step up and make a play. Crabtree is supposed to be the leader at wide receiver, so it will be his job to take over on the biggest stage the NFL has to offer. 

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