Super Bowl 2012: Predicting the Surprise Stars in the Patriots' Victory

Be honest—unless you live in New England, you had never heard of Sterling Moore before the AFC Championship.

But Moore knocked the ball out of Lee Evans' hands in what would have been a game-winning touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter. And then Billy Cundiff came out and missed a game-tying field goal, and bada bing, bada boom, the Patriots found themselves in the Super Bowl.

The last time these two teams met, it was David Tyree who went down in history. So what surprise stars will emerge for the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI?

Danny Woodhead

If you read five Super Bowl articles today, chances are all five of them will include "the Giants pass rush" and "the Patriots tight ends."

So with the possibility that the Giants will get pressure on Tom Brady with four players and will focus their coverage on Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, a player like Danny Woodhead could potentially have a huge impact, leaking out of the backfield for the Patriots.

Woodhead hasn't had a huge impact in the Patriots offense this year—between the regular season and postseason, he only has 394 rushing yards and 19 receptions for 164 yards—but if Brady consistently needs a safety valve, Woodhead will have a chance to make an impact.

Julian Edelman

What exactly doesn't this guy do on a football field?

Wide receiver. Defensive back. Returner. Edelman has the opportunity to make an impact on each phase of the game, though he'll probably be asked to do so primarily as a returner or defensive back.

In what will likely be a tightly contested game, a key play on special teams—like a touchdown on a return, for example—could be the difference.

Keep your eye on No. 11.

Mark Anderson

We know Vince Wilfork is a force in the middle of New England's defensive line and should control the interior.

But for the Patriots to pull off the win, they need to consistently pressure Eli Manning without getting burned in the blitz.

Enter Mark Anderson.

The defensive lineman finished the regular season with 10 sacks and added another this postseason. If Anderson can be a thorn in the side of Manning all game long, the Patriots defense should be able to slow down the Giants just enough to allow New England's offense to put more points on the board.

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