Super Bowl 2012: Reviewing the Top 4 Performances of Super Bowl XLVI

As expected, Super Bowl XLVI between the New York Giants and New England Patriots was a nail-biting finish that came within inches of a completed Hail Mary. That said, the Giants pulled off the win over the Pats once again and there were some impressive numbers.

So, here's a look at the four best performances from Super Sunday as we look back at a classic game.

Eli Manning: QB, Giants

Another rightful Super Bowl MVP performance, Eli Manning was 30-of-40 for 296 yards and one touchdown. In addition, he did not turn the ball over, didn't force any throws and finished with a 103.8 rating where he completed 75 percent of his passes.

Perhaps the fourth-quarter completion to receiver Mario Manningham on New York's final drive is what sums Eli's performance up in a nutshell. It was a perfect toss to where no one but Manningham could catch it, and right down the sidelines with just enough room to spare.

Not to mention Manning managed the game to a tee by controlling the time of possession in the Giants' favor, 37:05 to 22:55.

Hakeem Nicks: WR, Giants

Hakeem Nicks may have taken tough hits throughout the game, but he kept coming back. With 10 receptions for 109 yards, Nicks led all receivers in the game for both categories.

He was a pesky force over the middle against the Pats' weak intermediate pass defense and was defeating single coverage in more situations. New England simply couldn't stop the guy and when it did, Manningham briefly took over the fourth quarter.

Still, Nicks proved to be New York's main threat as he was targeted 13 times (second most to Aaron Hernandez in the game) and was deriving attention so his teammates could have opportunities to make plays.

Aaron Hernandez: TE, Patriots

The best performer for the New England Patriots, Aaron Hernandez caught eight passes for 67 yards and scored one touchdown—easily the best stats from the losing team.

Make no mistake about it, Tom Brady had a solid game and Hernandez did drop a couple of balls that should have been caught. But Hernandez stepped up big time with Rob Gronkowski basically not being a threat, so he was, to some extent, on his own.

He was targeted 14 times, six more than the next most on New England (Wes Welker with eight) and 11 more than Gronkowski. For Hernandez, who's such a versatile player but still considered not as dangerous as Welker or Gronk, he rose to the occasion.

In 2012, expect even more from one the NFL's more threatening offensive weapons.

Steve Weatherford: Punter, Giants

It's definitely one aspect of the game that most won't look at in terms of the outcome, but New York punter Steve Weatherford's performance was beyond impressive.

He only punted four times but compiled 163 yards combined and put three of them inside the 20-yard line. Any time you have a punter who can get the hang time and/or coffin-corner the kick to back up the opponent, it's a big play.

Take for example New England's first offensive play of the game. New York gets a safety because the Pats were backed up enough for Brady to be in the end zone when still inside the pocket. Had Weatherford not made a near-perfect punt, the whole complexion of Super Bowl XLVI may change.

Considering how potentially explosive the Patriots are on offense, forcing them to start from inside their own 20 can be mentally draining.

John Rozum on Twitter.