Super Bowl 2012: 4 Rookies in the Game's Brightest Spotlight

Believe it or not, but the reason why both the New York Giants and New England Patriots will prepare to play in Super Bowl XLVI over the next two weeks has a lot to do with a play made by one of the 2011 rookies.

In New England, Sterling Moore slapped the game-winning touchdown out of Lee Evans hands in the waning seconds—a play which set up Billy Cundiff's 32-yard field goal try that he pulled to the left.

Then, hours later in San Francisco, Giants rookie linebacker Jacquian Williams punched loose a fumble while covering an overtime punt that New York recovered inside the 49ers' 30-yard-line. Lawrence Tynes connected on the ensuing field goal that set up the Super Bowl rematch.

With those two plays in mind, let's take a look at the four rookies who will play major roles in the Super Bowl: 

Jacquian Williams, New York Giants

You can't ask for much more than what Williams provided late in Sunday's NFC Championship Game. 49ers punt returner Kyle Williams made a sudden move and Williams responded with a slap at the football, which sent it bouncing backwards and eventually into the arms of Devin Thomas. Just like that, the Giants were one kick away from the Super Bowl.

Against the Patriots, Williams will likely be asked to cover both Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez at times.  

Nate Soldier, New England Patriots

Few teams in the NFL rush the passer like the Giants, and the Patriots rookie right tackle will be tested by the likes of Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Both can win, rushing the passer with speed and power, and the Giants love to line up Tuck inside and run stunts to open up a free blitzer. Solder will have to be well-prepared both physically and mentally to hold up.

Prince Amukamara, New York Giants

Amukamara has averaged about 20 snaps in the secondary this postseason, and it figures that he'll see a similar amount in the Super Bowl because of the amount of spread packages the Patriots like to employ on a week-to-week basis. It's also possible that the Giants could end up giving the first-rounder the task of covering Hernandez on occasion. Either way, Amukamara will have his hands full on Super Bowl Sunday.

Sterling Moore, New England Patriots

Typical NFL fans probably hadn't heard of Moore before Sunday's win over the Ravens, but he's played 35 or more snaps for the Patriots six times over the last nine games. And by all accounts, he's been one of New England's better cover corners. Against the Giants, he could see time against all three of New York's receivers—Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham—and that trio will represent the best collection of receiving talent Moore has had to face this season.