Super Bowl 2012: Under-the-Radar Players Who Will Decide the Big Game

All of the focus heading into the Super Bowl will be on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. That is obviously for good reason since both players will have a profound impact on the game, but every active player will have a chance to make an impact.

Plenty of players are flying under the radar right now, but there have been a lot of unsung heroes over the course of the Super Bowl's illustrious history.

Here are three unheralded players who will have a big effect on the outcome of the biggest game of the year.

P Steve Weatherford (NYG)

In his first season as a member of the New York Giants, punter Steve Weatherford had an excellent year. He averaged nearly 46 yards per kick and was a real weapon in the battle of field position. He will play a big part in the Super Bowl, as it is integral to make the Patriots play with a long field.

If New England is given advantageous field position, it has an explosive offense that can score in the blink of an eye.

Even on drives where the Giants don't score, they can be considered a success if Weatherford does his job and pins the Patriots deep.

Also, let's not forget Weatherford's role as the holder on field goals and extra points. He made an incredible play on the game-winning field goal in the NFC Championship Game to save what could have been a disastrous snap. That type of play may go unnoticed, but it is incredibly important in high-pressure situations.

WR Matthew Slater (NE)

Matthew Slater is a wide receiver who had one catch all season long for the Patriots. Despite that, he could be a huge factor in the Super Bowl. Slater may be a wide receiver in name, but his true trade is that of a special teams gunner.

Offense and defense will be talked about ad nauseum in the coming days, but special teams will be of great importance as field position can have a big effect on the outcome of a game.

Also, it wouldn't be a shock to see Slater get involved in the offense somewhat. He is essentially used only for Tom Brady to take a shot down the field, but all it takes is one connection to change the complexion of a game.

Brady tried to connect with Slater for a deep touchdown in the AFC Championship Game, but it resulted in an interception. Brady isn't going to shy away from taking risks, though, so the Giants defense had better be cognizant of where Slater is on the field.

TE Jake Ballard (NYG)

The Giants have a host of great wide receivers with Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham, but tight end Jake Ballard could possibly outshine them all. Ballard battled injuries over the latter part of the season, but he has become a trusted target for Eli Manning, particularly in the red zone.

Ballard racked up 604 yards and four touchdowns during the regular season, but the Pats may not be paying much attention to him.

Big Blue honestly has an embarrassment of riches on offense, so it's understandable why Ballard might slip through the cracks. Ballard did score the game-winning touchdown against the Patriots during the regular season with just seconds remaining; I'm sure he wouldn't mind doing something similar on super Sunday.

If New England decides to put all its focus on the receivers, Ballard should be open all evening.