Batman72

January is arguably the most exciting month of the year in the world of sports as we are blessed with the grand event known as the NFL playoffs. Very little if anything can rival this drama filled single elimination tournament of brute force and wills. It is during these playoffs that heroes emerge. Many times they are the well known players such as Kurt Warner, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre. However more often than not we see an unlikely candidate emerge, adding to the NFL playoff lore and mystique. Heroes such as David Tyree, Jeff Hostetler, and Timmy Smith.

Something magical tends to happen as opportunity combined with fate smiles upon those whom we don’t quite expect. Some of these previously unknowns have proven that they are more than just a shot in the dark. Tom Brady, a backup quarterback picked in the 6th round would shine in his Super Bowl debut in one of the biggest upsets in history. He would then go on to win two more Super Bowls and play in another. On the other end of the spectrum we have players such as Timmy Smith who would score two touchdowns and set a record for most rushing yards in a Super Bowl helping the Redskins pummel the Broncos. Smith would never be heard of again.

Nothing can increase demand for a players cards more than how the athlete performs in the post season. Already there is a spiked interest in certain players based on this past weekend’s Wild Card games. So who do you think may emerge this year as the next Timmy Smith, or Tom Brady? Here are some of the candidates:

1) Early Doucet: The Cardinals Wide Receiver had a great game against the top five ranked Green Bay Packers Defense subbing for an injured Anquan Boldin. His cards have already started to see increased sales.
2) Mark Sanchez: The Rookie quarterback didn’t have a huge game against the Bengals but you don’t have to when you have a defense like the Jets. He managed the game and took care of the ball. A great formula for winning it all.
3) Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie: Both have already seen increased collecting interest being on the receiving end of Peyton Manning and filling in for an injured Anthony Gonzalez. The Colts will need some big plays out of these guys to free up Reggie Wayne.
4) Ray Rice: In his second year he is taking over where Brian Westbrook left off. If managed correctly we will be seeing Rice starring in the playoffs for many years to come. His cards have maintained moderate interest but big playoff performances will move them to the next level.
5) Felix Jones: Jones had a great game in the Cowboys beat down of the Eagles. He is beginning to prove that he should be the featured back in Dallas for years to come. If he continues to dominate in the post season, his cards will explode!
6) Drew Brees: Imagine Brees going up against the Chargers in the Super Bowl. If Brees can beat the team that let him go for Phillip Rivers the headlines will be endless, as will interest in his cards.

http://www.examiner.com/x-31124-DC-F...-2009-Playoffs