Super Bowl 2012: Matchups Sure to Decide the Title Tilt

If total team efforts meant anything, the New England Patriots wouldn’t be in the Super Bowl.

Teams may win championships, but somebody has to be the MVP.  Here are four one-on-one match-ups that will decide who hoists the NFL’s heavyweight-title belt this season.

4. Brandon Jacobs vs. Jerod Mayo

The New York Giants dominance this postseason is a result of a new-found balanced offensive attack.  Jacobs’ emergence has fueled that once dead running game as he’s rushed for 4.5 yards per carry along with a touchdown in the playoffs.  Mayo, New England’s most talented linebacker, will be the key in forcing the Giants to be one-dimensional again.

2. Hakeem Nicks vs. Devin McCourty

Nicks has defined the term unstoppable this postseason as he’s hauled in 18 passes for 335 yards and four touchdowns.  No New England defensive back will be able to stop the beastly wide out, but slowing him down is a top priority.  McCourty, while on a down year, is still the Patriots' best cover corner and will be tested repeatedly against Nicks.

2. Tom Brady vs. Antrel Rolle

Brady is coming off a nightmare of a performance against the Baltimore Ravens, but luckily for him, the former Miami Hurricane that the Giants start at free safety isn’t Ed Reed.  Antrel Rolle’s mouth will provide the Patriots' offense with plenty of motivation going into the game.  Rolle’s ability to halt Wes Welker and the Pats' passing attack, though, will determine how close the Super Bowl will be.

1. Matt Light vs. Jason Pierre-Paul

Light and the Patriots' offensive line were the scapegoats for a loss in Super Bowl XLII as they were dominated by Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora.  Tuck and Umenyiora are back, but this time around, Pierre-Paul is the G-Men’s most lethal pass rusher.  JPP’s ability to pressure Brady from his blind-side will ultimately determine the game’s outcome.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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