The matchup for Super Bowl LI is set as the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots will meet in Houston with a championship on the line. In all the prep leading up to the game we will hear about Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and all the stars who will surely be the focus of the game.
However, a whole team contributes to the success and there are guys that are just as important for the mere fact that they just do their jobs. The role players. Remember a guy like Malcolm Butler was an undrafted rookie – a relative nobody – but made one of the biggest plays in Super Bowl history when he picked off a pass from Russell Wilson in Super Bowl XLIX. Now he's a Pro Bowl player.
So who are the unsung heroes that have been important reasons why their teams will be playing for a Super Bowl championship.
Chris Hogan, WR, Patriots
If there is any team that knows the value of role players it is New England, and Chris Hogan is a perfect example of how the Patriots know how to make role a player work in their system. Hogan was just another receiver who languished in obscurity in Buffalo after going undrafted and bouncing around various camps. Still, the Patriots signed him to a three-year deal this offseason and he's done a fine job being an outlet for Brady and the potent Pats' offense. With injury issues plaguing Rob Gronkowski this season the team needed a deep threat that would allow Julian Edelman the space he needs to operate, there was an opening for Hogan's athleticism and ability to stretch the field. He finished second in the NFL in yards-per-catch and came up huge in the AFC Championship win over the Steelers with 180 yards on nine receptions, including two touchdowns.
Taylor Gabriel, WR, Falcons
When you think of Atlanta receivers, Julio Jones jumps right to mind, and Mohamed Sanu has had a solid season since coming over from the Bengals. Even the duo backfield of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are good pass catchers, but one can't overlook how Taylor Gabriel is a dangerous receiver. He's caught 35 passes this season with a 16.5 ypc average and actually tied Jones for the team lead with six touchdowns. He's that small, quick receiver that seems to be an important cog in NFL offenses in this day and age and is tough to deal with when your defense is preoccupied with Jones. After the Browns cut him after the preseason, the Falcons snapped him up and he's thrived down in Atlanta.
Kyle Van Noy, LB, Patriots
Kyle Van Noy kind of underachieved for the Detroit Lions during his two-plus seasons in Motown but that didn't stop the Pats from acquiring him at the trade deadline. Since arriving in Foxborough midseason, Van Noy has been a disruptive force on a defense that has been quietly great this season. He's a dogged pass-rusher who also has the ability to stick with backs in coverage. Unlike in Detroit where he was a 2nd round pick that was expected to be an all-around linebacker, in New England he's asked to perform to his strengths.
Eric Weems, KR, Falcons
One of the most underrated parts of football is the return game. It isn't just about breaking one off and scoring a touchdown. Sometimes it is just flipping the field position and Eric Weems is one of the better return men in the league. Weems was 6th in the league in punt return average and has allowed the Falcons' top scoring offense to have shorter fields to work with after kickoff. New England's coverage teams are among the best in the league so Weems will have his work cut out for him.
James Develin, FB, Patriots
Who uses fullbacks anymore? With Gronk out, James Develin has had to step in and play a lot more as a tight end on passing plays. Primarily a fullback or a blocking tight end, Develin was rarely used on passing downs due to Gronkowski's and Martellus Bennett's receiving ability, but he was a key blocker in the big run packages. With Gronk's injury, Develin has shown his flexibility by actually lining up as a receiver and has caught a few passes. His role on the Pats is the classic, ol' bruising fullback that seals the hole for the running backs as well as picking up that blitzing defender and allowing Brady to complete his throws.
Alex Mack, C, Falcons
Alex Mack, another former Cleveland Brown, has had yet another Pro Bowl season. You won't hear his name much, but you'll see his nameplate as the point man for an offensive line that has done a fantastic job giving Matt Ryan ample time to find his stable of weapons. Mack was an Pro Bowler in Cleveland and has done an excellent job getting his line mates on the same page with the zone blocking scheme. A lot is asked of Mack and he's excelled for the Falcons.
De'Vondre Campbell, LB, Falcons
De'Vondre Campbell has played a huge role for the rebuilding Atlanta defense. Campbell was drafted in the 4th round out of Minnesota and has blossomed in his rookie season alongside fellow rookie linebacker, Deion Jones. He's not a pass rusher but is fourth on the team with tackles-for-loss. With the variety of looks that the Patriots and Tom Brady can show you, it will be key for Campbell to be as solid as ever in coverage and in the run game.
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