Giants vs. Patriots: 4 Defenders Due for Big Performances

In a game with two great quarterbacks with a plethora of weapons to work with, both defenses are going to have to step up in a big way to give their teams a chance to win. 

The New York Giants certainly have enough talent, especially on the defensive line, to have success on defense. While the New England Patriots defense certainly has had their share of struggles this season, they have several favorable matchups that they must take advantage of. 

Here are four defenders that are poised to have a big performance in the Super Bowl. 

Kyle Love

We were all witness to the spectacular performance of Vince Wilfork in the AFC Championship Game, but his fellow lineman Kyle Love deserves some "love" as well. His improved play allowed the Patriots to get rid of Albert Haynesworth earlier in the season. 

The Giants offensive line has quietly struggled this season, and with Wilfork getting all of the attention, Love is going to have his opportunity to make plays, particularly in the run game. 

Michael Boley

With all of the talent the Patriots have at tight end, Michael Boley is going to need to put on a great performance for the Giants. 

Frankly, his attributes are exactly what the Giants need from their linebackers in order to stop the Patriots' short passing game; Boley is extremely athletic and has good coverage skills. He had a spectacular game against the Patriots in their regular-season meeting, and I see no reason for him to play significantly worse today, especially with Gronkowski's injury.  

Mark Anderson

Another one of the Patriots underrated defenders, Anderson has really stepped up since Andre Carter was lost for the season. 

He will likely be lined up against David Diehl for most of the the day, who has had a subpar year. Anderson is going to get his opportunities for sacks, especially if Wilfork has a game anywhere close to the game he had in the AFC Championship Game and opens things up for everyone else. 

Corey Webster

It is unclear how the Giants will decide to utilize their best cover corner, but should he line up against anyone not named Welker or Gronkowski, he is poised for success. 

Webster, who is a bigger-than-average corner who is good at using the sideline to his advantage, should be able to shut down the likes of Branch and Ochocinco with relative ease. 

It will be interesting, though, if the Giants do decide to put Webster on Hernandez, who lines up on the outside from time to time. Webster is big and physical enough to match up with a larger threat like Hernandez.