Super Bowl 2012: 4 Matchups That Will Decide the Game

Like in all football games, this Super Bowl will be decided by who wins their individual matchups. 

This game features a lot of enticing matchups that could go either way. For example, the New York Giants have a great pass rush, but the New England Patriots have been great in protection all season long. 

Here are four individual battles that will determine the winner of Super Bowl 46. 

Jason Pierre-Paul vs. Matt Light

This season, JPP has gone from a rotational player to one of the best defenders in the league. His great combination of size and speed has given left tackles nightmares all season long. 

However, Matt Light is quietly enjoying one of his best seasons and has been very consistent in protection. The Patriots cannot afford to let the Giants defensive line dominant the game yet again, and the onus will be on Light to ensure Brady is not rattled early by the Giants rush. 

Brady's comfort level will be key in this game, and the winner of this matchup will go a long way in determining it. 

Chris Snee vs. Vince Wilfork

Wilfork had one of the best games of his career in the AFC Championship Game, and he will be the biggest problem for the Giants in this game. 

Chris Snee, who is usually a very reliable player, is having his worst season yet. The Patriots will try to take advantage of his decline and line up Wilfork over Snee. 

If Snee can't hold his own, it is going to be tough for Eli to step up into the pocket and buy himself time and take advantage of his matchups on the outside. 

Michael Boley vs. Rob Gronkowski

Until Gronkowski proves that he can perform at 100 percent, the Giants will probably try to cover him with Michael Boley, who is very athletic and can cover a lot of ground for a middle linebacker. 

Boley did a great job in coverage in their regular-season meeting and will need a repeat performance in order to keep the Patriots' short passing game in check. 

If Gronkowski is anything near 100 percent, repeating his Week 9 performance will be anything but easy. 

Hakeem Nicks vs. Devin McCourty

What I suspect Belichick will do to try to compensate for his lack of talent at corner is to double Cruz in the slot and leave his best corner, Devin McCourty, on Hakeem Nicks on the outside. 

If Eli Manning can get the ball to Nicks and still find a way to generate the big plays that have brought them to this point, it will go a long way in determining the winner. If McCourty can hold his own against Nicks, it will limit Eli's options and take away the big play.