Super Bowl Predictions 2012: 4 Unheralded Players Who Might Decide Outcome

All the talk heading into the Super Bowl will surround players such as Tom Brady and Eli Manning. However, there have been multiple titles decided by players that nobody had on their mind prior to the big game.

This has repeated itself over and over again. When the New York Giants and New England Patriots last met in the Super Bowl, wide receiver David Tyree, who had just four regular-season catches, came up with one of the biggest plays in the history of the Super Bowl.

We have also seen players like Larry Brown, John Taylor and Lynn Swann step up in the big game when all the attention went to other players on their team.

This morning I am going to focus on five unheralded players that will have an impact and may decide the outcome of the game.

Chad Ochocinco, WR, New England Patriots

How could Chad Ochocinco possibly be unheralded? Well, in the grand scheme of things, he pretty much has been all but forgotten for the New England Patriots during the 2011 season.

You are looking at a receiver that has compiled just 15 receptions in as many games this year. Instead of attempting to get No. 85 involved in the offense, the Patriots have made the conscience decision to go away from him in lieu of their playmaking tight ends.

The New York Giants are going to do everything in their power to take Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker out of the game. In the process of doing this, it is extremely likely that Ochocinco will be left in one-on-one coverage, which could lead to a big play or two.

Jake Ballard, TE, New York Giants

Jake Ballard has been somewhat of a nice safety valve for Eli Manning this season. The second-year tight end has done a really good job working the middle of the field, giving his quarterback a big target as a second or third read.

He was neutralized by the San Francisco 49ers last week, but they are one of the best defenses in covering tight ends. Despite struggling against receivers on the outside this season, the Patriots have done a relatively good job against tight ends.

This is probably going to change a great deal come the Super Bowl. New England is going to be forced to rotate its coverage outside against the Giants trio of receivers. This is going to leave Jake Ballard in one-on-one coverage against their linebackers and safeties.

I fully expect Ballard to have a huge game come Sunday.

Sterling Moore, CB, New England Patriots

Everyone wants to talk about Lee Evans' drop in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. However, Sterling Moore made one hell of a play on the ball, making it a much more difficult catch for the Ravens wide receiver.

This is the way that Moore has played over the course of the last couple months since breaking into the Patriots defensive rotation. He had four passes defended and two interceptions in just three regular-season starts. It isn't a coincidence that the Patriots secondary started to play better when he saw the field more.

If Eli Manning makes the decision to pick on Moore a little bit and attempts to squeeze a ball in through a tight window, it is extremely possible that Moore will come away with a game-changing play.

Dave Tollefson, DE, New York Giants

The New England Patriots are going to have their hands full when it comes to scheming to protect Tom Brady. At this point, the Giants have five or six consistent pass-rushers in their front seven. This is going to make it difficult for Brady and Co. to find any rhythm on offense.

This is where Dave Tollefson comes into play.

If the Patriots are going to be rotating protection over to Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck, this unheralded player may find himself in one-on-one situations against New England offensive linemen.

If that happens, you could be looking at a sack from Brady's blind slide, which could lead to a fumble or some other disastrous play for the Patriots.

Either way, someone on the Giants front is going to make a play; it just might not be who we think.