Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Unsung Defensive Player Will Be XLVI Hero

"Big players make big plays in big games."

Super Bowl XLVI will go down with a number of big players making big plays. There are simply too many of them for it to not happen this way.

But in a game with two dominant offenses and shaky secondaries, a defensive player is going to have to make a play.

We know the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Vince Wilfork, but who else is going to rise up under the brightest lights in the world tonight?

Which unheralded defensive player is going to make the difference tonight?

Here are a few options.

Michael Boley, New York Giants

Big Blue's defensive signal-caller has gotten a bit more publicity of late and rightfully so. The veteran linebacker has basically shifted inside as the middle linebacker and makes plays in every phase of the game.

He'll be used in coverage, he'll be used against the run and he'll be part of the few blitzes the Giants do use tonight as well.

If and when the Patriots use running backs out of the backfield, don't surprised if it's Boley making the tackle.

He'll be all over the field tonight.

Devin McCourty, New England Patriots

The second-year pro has not been as impressive as he was in his rookie season and is part of the reason this secondary has been burned this year.

That said, Eli Manning is going to test any and every part the Patriots defense. McCourty will have no shortage of opportunities to make a play whether he's covering Victor Cruz or Hakeem Nicks.

McCourty can make plays on the ball and does have enough speed to stay with either receiver, Mario Manningham included as well.

Deon Grant, New York Giants

No player on either team will be in position to make more plays than Grant.

The veteran safety will basically be used as a linebacker, will see time on tight ends and receivers and will be used in blitz packages as well.

Grant will be instrumental in the Giants' effort to stop Tom Brady because of his versatility and experience.

If he rises to the occasion he could very well be the most important player of this game.