Super Bowl 2012: Top 6 Defensive Candidates for MVP

In the near half century that the Super Bowl has been in existence, only eight defensive players have been awarded the game's most valuable player award, and two of those had to share it.

Super Bowl 46 is defined by the two quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Eli Manning and by the explosive pass attacks each man directs. But the real key to victory will be whichever defense can rattle the opposing passer the most.

So, the true most valuable player candidates for this game will likely be found on both defenses.

Here's a list of the top six defensive players who could produce the necessary impact to be awarded MVP.

6. Rob Ninkovich, OLB New England Patriots

Unheralded outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich has a knack for coming up with big plays for the New England Patriots defense.

The former Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints reject has thrived under the tutelage of Bill Belichick.

The 6'2", 255-pounder is an underrated pass-rusher who times the blitz very well and possesses deceptive strength and quickness when coming off the edge.

Ninkovich will be matched up on aging New York Giants right tackle Kareem McKenzie for most of the game.

McKenzie has struggled containing edge pressure this season and could be in for a tough time if Belichick decides to turn Ninkovich loose.

5. Antrel Rolle, S New York Giants

Motor-mouth safety Antrel Rolle could prove to be a decisive factor in the outcome of Super Bowl 46.

The 29-year-old offers the Giants a versatile skill set which could prove crucial in subduing the Patriots dangerous tight end tandem.

Rolle has cornerback experience and coverage skills to go with excellent zone instincts and the size and speed to stay with a tight end in man coverage. His flexibility gives the Giants a lot of options in their coverage schemes.

Rolle will most likely patrol the slot and focus his efforts on either Aaron Hernandez or Rob Gronkowski, depending on call and formation. NFL.com may list Gronkowski as questionable, but the Giants will still prepare to see plenty of the prolific pass catcher on Sunday.

If Gronkowski is not at full strength, Rolle has the ability to take advantage and come up with some big plays for New York's defense.

4. Devin McCourty, CB New England Patriots

A lot of the talk concerning the Patriots' secondary may focus on the role played by wide receiver Julian Edelman. But second-year corner Devin McCourty could have the biggest impact on Super Bowl 46.

Like most of New England's defensive backs, McCourty is very opportunistic and will take a lot of risks in coverage. He has the ball-hawking instincts to pounce on any errant throws from Eli Manning or mistakes by Big Blue's receivers.

Belichick has even taken to moving McCourty into a roving free safety role in certain packages.

He will be in a position to regularly spy Manning and could be the joker in the pack for the Patriots secondary.

Remember Larry Brown in Super Bowl 30?

3. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE New York Giants

Sophomore sensation Jason Pierre-Paul presents the most obvious danger to Tom Brady and the New England offense. The ex-South Florida standout has emerged this season as the most dynamic young pass-rusher in the game.

Pierre-Paul has the first step quickness and closing speed to scare the living daylights out of the Patriots offensive line. The Giants' leading sack artist combines lightning speed with straight-ahead power and exceptional range.

New England left tackle Matt Light will need to be at his absolute best to keep Pierre-Paul in check. If he can't, then Pierre-Paul could create enough havoc to win the G-Men their fourth Super Bowl and himself the MVP award.

2. Vince Wilfork, DT New England Patriots

Vince Wilfork has been the most dominant defensive player in this postseason bar none. He single-handedly destroyed the Baltimore Ravens offense in the AFC Championship Game.

The eight-year veteran sets the tone for the entire Patriots defense. His ability to pose an equal threat to an opponent's passing game and ground attack, allows Belichick the freedom to get so creative with his schemes.

The Giants must do all they can to prevent Wilfork from routinely crushing the pocket. If not then the 6'2", 325-pounder will have a field day pushing linemen back into the face of Manning and snuffing out any hint of a Giants running game.

Make no mistake on the form he's in, Wilfork could easily join Dallas Cowboys legend Randy White, as only the second interior lineman in league history to win MVP.

1. Justin Tuck, DL New York Giants

Justin Tuck should have been named MVP for Super Bowl 42.

Tuck dominated the entire Patriots offensive front that day and was a constant thorn in Tom Brady's side. Four years and Tuck still possesses the versatility and playmaking talent to repeat that feat.

Since Super Bowl 42, Tuck has moved outside to defensive end, but that's just where he starts out. The 28-year-old can still slide inside in certain fronts and has the strength and technique to defeat any guard-center combination.

In this year's playoffs Tuck has been most effective when used as a standup rusher in the Giants nickel package. His rare blend of imposing size and top-level athleticism, makes him an asset in coverage and also gives him the speed to be a dangerous blitzer from a two-point stance.

After a season riddled with injuries, Tuck came alive in the NFC Championship against the San Francisco 49ers and notched 1.5 sacks.

The Patriots will need to know where he is at all times on Sunday, or Tuck will again have Tom Brady running for his life.