Every Super Bowl there is a special player who rises up and takes over the game. Whether it is putting the team on their back, or making the show stealing touchdown. The Wide Receiver position has become the most important element of the Super Bowl, as every year in the recent past, one player makes a career for them self. Lets take a trip down memory lane.
Last year in Super Bowl XLV, the Packers and Steelers took the field. Each team had wide outs who were playing big, and both deserving of this article. Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace made a name for himself, as he caught pass after pass, and big ones at that. His strong performance last year kick started into this year, where he became the Steelers top wide out, and again making electrifying plays. As for the victors, Green Bay has the names Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, but did anyone expect Jordy Nelson to be THE guy? The answer is obviously no. Nelson caught 9 balls for 140 yards and a touchdown. Nelson was a star on the grandest stage of them all, setting up a promising career.
Other notables when it comes to great performances in the Super Bowl are Deion Branch in Super Bowl XXXIX, where he caught a record 11 passes, and racked up 133 yards. Santonio Holmes, another Super Bowl MVP, kick started his career by catching 9 passes for 131 yards, and the game winning touchdown. Holmes, although controversial, is now the top WR money wise. We can go on and on about how young WR's made a name for themself in the past, but what about this Sunday?
This Sunday features a Super Bowl rematch between the Giants and Patriots. My prediction has already been made, and I encourage you to check out my Super Bowl podcast: http://vimeo.com/36156542
This year's offenses are loaded with talent, and plenty of guys worthy of being a breakout, but one guy in my mind will shine above all. It won't be Tom Brady's favorite target Wes Welker, and sure won't be the humbled Chad Ochocinco. Eli's main targets have been Hakeem Nicks, and undrafted salsa man Victor Cruz. The man I have my eye on is Mario Manningham. Manningham, who was the Giants number 2 reciever before injury, is now Eli's third or fourth option. I feel like Manningham can use this game to put his name back on the map. If there is a time to do it, here it is. With the Patriots sure to take Cruz or Nicks out of this game, you know Manningham will have his chances in the three wideout sets. Keep an eye on this former Michigan standout, he sure will not disappoint.
Manning to Manningham, watch it happen...
