The Rams took their Greatest Show on Turf to the Georgia Dome for the 2000 Super Bowl. As expected, quarterback Kurt Warner and his constellation of offensive stars piled up yards in bunches against the Titans.
But when the Rams kept bogging down in the red zone it was their kicker, Jeff Wilkins, who kept them in the game. And when the Titans threatened to score a touchdown to tie the score, it was little-known linebacker Mike Jones who preserved the victory by tackling Kevin Dyson at the 1-yard line as the game ended.
Super Bowls tend to be defined by their superstar players, who dominate the storylines in the made-for-TV event. Sometimes, though, the games are turned by low-profile players making important plays.
The big names again are getting the buzz for Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Falcons and Patriots. Most are expecting a shootout with Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones against Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
But who are the nondescript players who could help to decide the game with big plays? Here are two candidates from each team:
FALCONS
Keanu Neal
Falcons coach Dan Quinn declared he wanted his team to be “fast and physical.” He drafted Neal with that mantra mind. The Falcons hope Neal can fill an enforcer role similar to Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor, and he appears to be on his way after a solid rookie season.
Neal could make a big impact against the Patriots — literally. Neal typically plays near the line of scrimmage, and his hard-hitting style gives pass catchers something to think about on short routes. They are right to be concerned: A shot to the ribs by Neal knocked Packers running back Ty Montgomery out of the NFC Championship game.
Neal also could force a turnover, which figures to be critical in a game with two elite offensive teams. His five forced fumbles ranked tied for second in the NFL.
The Patriots figure to test Neal, one of four rookie starters on defense for the Falcons. He said he’s up for the challenge.
“I’m just playing football, so shoot, bring it on,” he said. “I’m not scared or anything if that’s what you’re asking. I’m just ready to play ball.”
Patrick DiMarco
DiMarco is relatively anonymous by virtue of his job description: a fullback on a team that runs zone-read schemes, not power, and that has a long list of pass targets for Ryan. DiMarco played just 31 percent of the offensive snaps during the regular season, with zero carries and 10 pass targets.
But the Falcons have run more power sets in recent weeks, and DiMarco responded with some key blocks for running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Establishing the running game against the Patriots would allow the Falcons to lean on their lethal play-action passing game.
“It’s not the most glorifying position, it’s nothing that’s talked about a lot,” DiMarco said of his position. “But what we do, we’re not really making the big plays, but you’re part of the big plays. I get excited for my big plays when Devonta goes for 60, or Tevin goes for 80. Or I’m in pass protection and Matt throws a bomb to score a touchdown. That’s just as gratifying to me as getting a 1-yard touchdown, or picking up a first down. I know my role, and I love what I do.”
Also don’t discount DiMarco as a passing target. In the NFC Championship game, two Packers ran with Julio Jones, and DiMarco slipped into the open space for a 31-yard reception down to Green Bay’s 5-yard line.
PATRIOTS
Chris Hogan
The Patriots have several offensive players who are candidates to be surprise stars Sunday because, as usual, there are many good players around Brady but no real superstars. Hogan is on the radar now because he had a career game in the AFC Championship game against Pittsburgh, with nine catches for 180 yards.
Hogan played only one season of football at Monmouth, where he was a lacrosse player. The Dolphins signed him as a rookie free agent, but cut him and didn’t sign him to the practice squad. Hogan ended up starting three seasons for the Bills before signing as a free agent with the Patriots in 2016.
Now, with tight end Rob Gronkowski on injured reserve, Hogan may be Brady’s chief big-play threat.
“Tom was able to find me a lot of the time in the deep part of the field,” Hogan said. “For me it was just kind of just taking advantage of those plays and trying to make plays for the team. It seemed like I was always that guy down the field.”
Chris Long
Dont’a Hightower figures to be the most disruptive player in New England’s front seven. He rushes the passer more than any other inside linebacker in the NFL this season and recorded 25 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
But if the Falcons deploy resources to account for Hightower inside, Long could get some opportunities on the edge. He’s had an inconsistent season rushing the passer, but has come on lately: His 13.9 pressure percentage since Week 13 is tops among Patriots, according to Pro Football Focus.
Long has the talent and pedigree to make an impact. He’s a son of Hall of Fame defender Howie Long and the older brother of Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long. The Rams selected Chris Long with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 draft, but cut him after eight mostly disappointing seasons.
Long signed with the Patriots after being dismissed as a draft bust for a Rams team that never made the playoffs. Now he has the chance to shine on the NFL’s biggest stage.
“I kind of bet on the fact that this is the (team) that would give me the best opportunity to be here in this situation,” Long said. “There’s a reason for that. I’ve learned that through the year and why these guys are in so many positions like this. They treat them as opportunities. We treat them as opportunities. You can’t take them for granted, and I think that’s why we’re here. We’ve earned that.”
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