Giants vs. Patriots: Players Who Must Step Up for New England to Get Revenge

The New England Patriots would love nothing more than to get revenge for losing their perfect season against the New York Giants four years ago. They won't say that in public, of course, because that's not the Patriot way, but the team's intensity on Sunday will say it all.

Here are three players who must step up for the Patriots to get some payback on Super Sunday.

Aaron Hernandez

Even if Rob Gronkowski plays on Sunday, it's hard to imagine him being at full strength and speed. That means the onus will be on Hernandez to pick up the slack. Tight end performance is vital to the Patriots' success on offense.

Hernandez had a good season in his own right, catching 79 passes and seven touchdowns. He should have the edge against the Giants linebackers due to his sheer athleticism, which means Tom Brady will be targeting him early and often.

He's really a solid, dark-horse pick to win MVP honors because if the Patriots offense has enough success to win, he'll be a big reason why.

Kyle Arrington

Arrington was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise porous New England secondary this season. He intercepted seven passes and made 88 tackles, showing massive improvement over last season. His progress has continued into the playoffs with two solid games.

Eli Manning is playing the best football of his career right now. That means Arrington and Co. will need to step up once again to give their offense a chance. One turnover could be all it takes to swing momentum in the Patriots favor for good.

If anybody is going to make that big play, it's Arrington. Look for him to be jumping routes early and often in hopes to turn the tide.

Mark Anderson

It's no secret the pass rush of each team will be a major factor in Sunday's game. Whichever team is able to get more pressure on the opponent's signal caller will be in terrific shape. That puts a lot of pressure on the guys up front to make things happen.

The Giants will focus on slowing down Vince Wilfork, who has been a monster in Patriots' last two games. So if New England is going to generate a constant rush, it will be up to Anderson to wreak havoc all night.

He had 10 sacks during the regular season, but hasn't been as productive in the playoffs. That will need to change if the Patriots want to get revenge.