Super Bowl 2012: A Look at the Overshadowed Mathias Kiwanuka and Rob Ninkovich

New York Giants' defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has the luxury of tailoring his game plan around a premier defensive front four—a group that's deservedly received immense notoriety during the 2011 season. 

Outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka is another key cog to the assailing pass rush although he's often overshadowed by the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, and Osi Umenyiora. 

Also, Kiwanuka has a multitude of responsibilities. 

He occasionally drops back into coverage and must reach running backs on outside pitches or zone stretch plays, but is always kept in Fewell's back pocket as a deceptively quick pass-rusher who comes on delay blitzes or stunts when the offensive line is focusing on the Giants' down linemen.

Most importantly, he stayed healthy in 2011, carrying the load while Tuck and Umenyiora battled injuries. 

Kiwanuka finished the year with 84 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. To me, he was one of the most vital components of a resilient Giants' defense that was ravaged with injuries this season. 

In the Super Bowl, he'll likely be used to get after Tom Brady, but will almost certainly be forced into coverage against Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez on occasion. 

Once again, he'll be critical to New York's success. 

Rob Ninkovich's role on the Patriots is eerily similar. 

He's also a member of the 2002 draft class, but as a fifth-round selection, Ninkovich was overlooked from the start. 

After bouncing from the New Orleans Saints to the Miami Dolphins and back to the Saints, he landed with New England in 2009 and has been instrumental to the Pats' playmaking defense ever since. 

At 6'2'' and 255 pounds, the Purdue product isn't as physically imposing as Kiwanuka, but he's utilized in nearly the exact same fashion. 

Bill Belichick plays to his strengths, which are his surprising speed and innate ability to get to the passer. 

From his outside linebacker spot, he's frequently sent to the quarterback on zone blitzes and often rushes up the middle. 

In 2011, he accumulated 6.5 sacks along with 74 total tackles.

The best part about Ninkovich is his versatility. He's used in pass coverage without worry, and allows his instincts and football IQ to overcome any physical shortcomings.

He has reeled in two interceptions in each of the last two seasons and isn't a liability against the run. 

Just like Kiwanuka, he's been the staple of health for his club, starting all 16 games in 2011. 

While the Giants' don't have a tight end tandem quick like the Patriots, their spread offense will force Ninkovich into coverage on more than one occasion. 

The Patriots will be greatly benefited if he can hold his own against the pass while driving Eli Manning out of his comfort zone when he's asked to blitz. 

Don't forget about Mathias Kiwanuka and Rob Ninkovich. 

They've been extremely critical to each team's defenses in 2011, and their role in Super Bowl XLVI will be no different. 

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