Giants vs. Patriots: Underrated 1-on-1 Matchups to Watch in Super Bowl XLVI

While Eli Manning against the New England Patriots' secondary and Rob Gronkowski against the New York Giants' linebackers and safeties are two primary, often-discussed matchups in Super Bowl XLVI, there are many more one-on-one battles that must be watched. 

Bleacher Report Featured Columnist John Rozum outlined the best 1-on-1 matchups for this game, and he identified some rather good ones.

How about Giants' fullback Henry Hynoski meeting Jerod Mayo or Brandon Spikes in the hole? Major collisions there. 

I've got the more underrated, overlooked matchups that will play a major role in determining the outcome of this highly-anticipated Super Bowl rematch. 

Aaron Ross or Corey Webster on Deion Branch 

While Tom Brady and Branch have a great rapport and unparalleled chemistry, the Super Bowl MVP's rarely connect because of Gronkowski, Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez presence. 

While he caught 51 passes in 2011 season, he has only 11 grabs in his last six games. 

If Gronkowski isn't 100 percent—which is a distinct possibility—and can't stride as well as he typically does, Brady will be forced to look elsewhere. 

Branch comes up with game-changing, downfield plays when you'd least expect it and the Giants' will have to account for the veteran receiver.

Both Ross and Webster are solid cornerbacks that should spend time on Branch in this Super Bowl.

If Brady finds Branch and he breaks a few big plays, the Giants will have an extremely hard time emerging victorious. 

Patrick Chung on Victor Cruz 

Chung's a safety, so he won't line up with Cruz on the line of scrimmage. But he will be tested by the undrafted player-turned superstar in this game. 

Cruz hauled in 10 catches for 142 yards in a rain-soaked batte against Pro Bowl cornerback Carlos Rogers and the emerging, playmaking safety Dashon Goldson on Sunday. 

He's developed into an all-around receiver who runs crisp routes and can get open to move the chains. 

However, his best attribute is his speed and ability to catch the deep throw. 

Chung was beaten deep a few times by the Baltimore Ravens' burner Torrey Smith, so expect Eli Manning to throw his way on February 5th. 

Don't forget about Hakeem Nicks, either—another Giants' receiver capable of making the huge play down the field. 

Michael Boley against BenJarvus Green-Ellis 

Don't count out the Patriots' ability to run the football. Yes, Bill Belichick loves to call a variety of passing plays. With Brady and matchup headaches Gronkowski, Hernandez, and Welker, why wouldn't he? 

But he has become one of the most successful coaches in the modern era by adjusting and adding creative wrinkles and staying one step ahead of his opponent. 

He knows the Giants' pass-rushing defensive line is superb, and I won't be surprised in the least if he counters their game plan with more running plays (especially draws) than usual. 

Boley is the team's best linebacker, and he'll have the task of corralling the shifty and hard-nosed Green-Ellis when he reaches the second level. 

Stymieing the Patriots' running attack will be extremely important for New York to win the Super Bowl.

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