Giants vs. Patriots: Unsung Heroes Who Will Be Super Bowl Difference Makers

Eli Manning and Tom Brady are going to sell the Super Bowl to casual fans who may not know a lot about the New York Giants and New England Patriots. As great as they are, the winner of the game is going to be determined by the players who do not get the respect they deserve. 

It does not take much to get fans to watch the biggest NFL game of the year, seemingly setting ratings records every year, no matter which teams are playing. 

So this is a chance for the unsung heroes to get their chance to shine. Whether they remain household names is a moot point. As long as they get their one great moment on the Super Bowl stage, anything that happens afterwards is just icing on the cake. 

The Giants are obviously led by Manning and their defensive ends—Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora—but Ahmad Bradshaw has been a stabilizing force in the backfield in the playoffs, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. 

Bradshaw's presence keeps opposing defenses from being able to send everyone after Manning, and the offense is able to create big plays. 

Giants cornerback Corey Webster is going to have one of the most difficult assignments, lining up opposite Wes Welker. His ability to contain the Patriots star wide receiver will decide how effective Brady is throwing the ball. 

A pair of Patriots wide receivers, Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco, are going to have to step up their game to exploit the Giants lack of depth in the secondary. 

Safety Patrick Chung is not as prominent as someone like Ed Reed, but he is the enforcer in the Patriots secondary. He is going to come out hitting hard and fast. His presence is going to give Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham alligator arms. 

The biggest difference maker on either team, however, will be BenJarvus Green Ellis. He scores a lot of touchdowns, but does not get enough credit for being a fierce runner up the middle. 

For the Patriots to keep the three-headed monster of Tuck, Pierre-Paul and Umenyiora off Brady, the law firm is going to have to run through the defensive line of the Giants. He had success against the Ravens vaunted defense, so there is no reason to think he can't do it against the Giants. 

Forget those marquee players that sell tickets. This Super Bowl is all about the role players that have carried their team in hard times. 

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