Super Bowl 2012: Eli Manning and Underrated Difference Makers for Giants

The New York Giants are underdogs heading into their Super Bowl clash with the New England Patriots. That means they are going to need huge performances in every aspect of the game to come out on top in the season's most important game.

Here are three underrated players who will need to be difference makers on Super Sunday.

Eli Manning

It's quite surprising to see how little respect Manning receives from the national media in comparison to Tom Brady. Even Peyton Manning is getting more media coverage than his younger brother despite the fact both guys have one championship ring.

Manning needs to have a monster performance to prove once and for all that he belongs in any conversation about the NFL's best quarterbacks. He was given more responsibility in terms of carrying the Giants offense this season and did a terrific job.

New England ranked 31st in pass defense during the regular season and is the team's biggest weakness. Manning needs to take full advantage of it if the Giants are going to emerge victorious. That's the type of pressure elite players are able to thrive under.

Travis Beckum

There's been a boatload of talk about the Patriots' dynamic tight end duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, but the Giants have two very capable players at the position as well. Beckum, who has seven catches during the playoffs, and Jake Ballard.

The Patriots are going to be focusing most of their defensive attention on rushing Manning and controlling Hakeem Nicks. That means there should be some favorable matchups for Beckum, especially inside the red zone.

Every Super Bowl there seems to be a couple unsung heroes who rise to the occasion. This year could be Beckum's chance. He'll have a much bigger impact than people are expecting.

Chase Blackburn

After making just 26 tackles during the regular season, Blackburn has 20 during the Giants' postseason run. His emergence as a reliable linebacker is one of the main reason the team's defense has been able to overcome all the injuries on that side of the ball.

Blackburn's job against the Patriots will be making sure none of New England's running backs are able to find a rhythm. The Giants need to make them a one-dimensional offense, and the only way to do that is completely shutting down the run.

He's a virtual unknown outside of New York, but Blackburn will be a household name for at least one night if things go the Giants' way. It would be a nice ending to an otherwise disappointing, injury-filled year.