Everybody knows about superstars like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Patrick Willis. Each of those players have a major impact on their respective teams. But it's often the role players who end up making a name for themselves in the playoffs by emerging from the background to make key plays.
Here are three unsung heroes that will do just that this weekend.
Jermaine Gresham—Cincinnati Bengals
Gresham has made big strides in all phases since being drafted in the first round before last season. He's running better routes, blocking better and, most importantly, he's served as the perfect security blanket for rookie quarterback Andy Dalton.
He caught 56 passes for nearly 600 yards and six touchdowns. Not eye-popping numbers by any means but, when you consider Cincinnati's conservative offensive style, solid nevertheless. He's especially important in the red zone thanks to his 6'5'' frame.
Look for Gresham to see a lot of targets in the first half as the Bengals work Dalton into his first playoff game with a lot of caution. Should the Bengals pull of the upset, he'll be a main reason they were able to do it.
Isaac Redman—Pittsburgh Steelers
Star running back Rashard Mendenhall will miss the playoffs with an ACL injury, which means Redman will be thrust into the starting role. Even though the Steelers aren't as one-dimensional on offense anymore, it's still important for them to have a consistent rushing attack.
Redman came out of little-known Bowie State and has carved out a niche for himself with the Steelers, but now he'll be asked to do a whole lot more. He actually average slightly more yards per carry than Mendenhall in his limited action this season, so there shouldn't be a massive drop off.
He'll need to do the most with his 15-20 touches if Pittsburgh is going to fend off Tim Tebow and Co. Redman should be able to accomplish that task thanks to the Broncos' shaky run defense.
Thomas DeCoud—Atlanta Falcons
While Atlanta's defense spends most of its time in the shadows of its star-studded offense, the unit has its fair share of key players. That includes DeCoud, who has made steady improvement during his four seasons with the team.
He set career highs in tackles (86) and interceptions (four) as a part of the Falcons' boom-or-bust secondary. With the New York Giants also peaking at a good time, the unit will likely need to force a turnover or two to secure a road win.
Don't be surprised if the player to who makes one of those game-changing plays is DeCoud. It's overlooked players like him that make the Falcons a sleeper team this postseason.
Curtis Granderson Nick Johnson Javier Lopez Alex Hinshaw Ramon Ramirez Sergio Romo
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