Super Bowl 2012: Sterling Moore and More X-Factors for New England Patriots

The New England Patriots nearly lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship.

They certainly would have if some no-name defensive back named Sterling Moore did not rob Lee Evans of a sure touchdown in the final seconds.

This Patriots team has been making heroes out of players they have signed off the street for years.

Remember the 2004 Super Bowl squad? Earthwind Moreland, Hank Poteat, Randall Gay and Troy Brown (a wide receiver) were all featured in that secondary.

Bill Belichick has done an incredible job getting players that everyone else has written off to step up and make plays when they count.

Let’s take a look at some guys that have the potential to make a big play in crunch time against Eli Manning and the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.

Sterling Moore

This man made the biggest play of his life, and he wasn’t even on the team active roster until October.

He was cut and re-signed multiple times to the practice squad this year but came through in the biggest game of the season.

The SMU product has the ability to change a game, as evidenced by his strip of Lee Evans and the two picks he had in Week 17 of the regular season.

If Eli challenges him, he could come up big.

Julian Edelman

This two-way player has made an impact on special teams, offense and defense. He was a QB in college, but Belichick has no qualms with sending him out as a defensive back.

During the Ravens’ key last drive, Anquan Boldin was constantly burning Edelman, but expect the young man to learn from his mistakes and improve on that this week.

If he trusts himself, Belichick will trust him and he could seriously make an impact.

James Ihedigbo

Did anyone know who this guy was before the season?

Now he’s the starting safety and one of the leading tacklers on a Super Bowl team.

He gets little respect, but his solid tackling, ability to blitz and also make plays on the ball in the air make him a big part of the defense.

Don’t discount him and don’t be surprised if he comes up with a crucial play down the stretch.