Super Bowl 2012: Tom Brady and Top Big-Game Performers Still in Contention

Although it is difficult to measure the "clutch" factor in any sport, there is no question that there are some players who just seem to be capable of turning it on in big moments. This is a trait which is absolutely paramount on the road to the Super Bowl, and it will likely be on display over the next few weeks in the Conference Championship Games and the Big Dance itself.

There always seems to be a couple of players who earn that clutch label on a yearly basis, but when it comes down to it, it is best to rely on the ones who have been there before. There are several such players who are still in contention to reach the Super Bowl. Here are the top three:

QB Eli Manning (NYG)

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning may have only one Super Bowl run under his belt, but he seems poised for another this season. Manning, along with his defense, was the driving force behind the Giants' improbable Super Bowl win four seasons ago, when the G-Men upended the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

Manning didn't have a huge performance in that game statistically speaking, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns, but there is no question that he deserved MVP honors. Manning led the Giants on an incredible, game-winning touchdown drive that culminated in a scoring strike to Plaxico Burress. The legendary play, however, was a third-down prayer that was caught by David Tyree. It's hard to say what "it" is, but Eli has the "it" factor that you look for in a signal caller.

LB Ray Lewis (BAL)

The Baltimore Ravens' linebacker has been at it for a long time, and he has gone deep in the playoffs on numerous occasions. His only Super Bowl appearance came 11 years ago when he was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXV in a winning effort over the Giants. He may not have the same ability now as he had then, but perhaps no player in football has a larger will to win.

Lewis remains the cornerstone of a Ravens defense that has seemingly been among the best in the league for more than a decade. That remains true this season, as the unit ranked in the top five against both the run and the pass. The Ravens will be faced with the gargantuan task of slowing down the Patriots' high-powered offense this week, but if anyone can do it, it's Lewis and the Ravens.

QB Tom Brady (NE)

With three Super Bowl wins and two Super Bowl MVP Awards in his back pocket, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is already one of the most decorated signal callers of all time. He is currently in a great position to add to his trophy case though, as he is just one win away from reaching his fifth Super Bowl. He must first get past his biggest challenge of the season, as the Ravens' rough-and-tumble defense comes to town.

You could argue that Brady had the best statistical season of his career this year, as he racked up 5,235 passing yards and 39 touchdowns. On top of that, he doesn't receive much support from his defense, so the Pats' success rests squarely on Tom Terrific's shoulders. If Brady continues to play at his current level, then the Patriots could be in line for another Super Bowl win, and Brady another MVP award.