It's no secret that coach specializes in taking away the opposing offense's No. 1 weapon. If Belichick a signs All-Pro cornerback to on , the will need big plays from Reilly Smith Jersey rookie deep threat and tight ends and . With an injury-ravaged drawing just three of 's 77 postseason targets, though, it's a revitalized who is emerging as the wild card. Still adjusting to Pep Hamilton's and failing to separate from defensive backs in September, Nicks lost his job and became an afterthought in Luck's aerial attack by midseason. Since racing for a 26-yard touchdown and hauling in a twisting, 18-yard back-shoulder throw in Week 15 versus the , however, Nicks has recaptured playmaking skills that were believed by many to be long gone. "I think in New York, I was just having injury after injury and I think I just wasn't taking care of it the right way," Nicks said Thursday. "I just kept trying to play through them instead of being patient and sitting and let it heal. "Now, I am extremely healthy. Looking back on it now, I think that's something that I just had to go through. My body was adjusting." Showing more elusivene s and better leaping ability than he has since carrying the to the three years ago, Nicks is finally popping off the game film again, making two or three big plays per week on limited snaps. The have taken early command of the game in each of the past two weeks, perpetuating the luxury of Wayne as an every-down blocking specialist. Hamilton will have to make adjustments against a team that has won . If Luck is going to outgun Brady in a potential shootout, the need to emphasize Nicks' playmaking ability at the expense of Wayne's playing time. For all of the praise lavished on for his recent postseason heroics, Nicks' light in January. The latest Podcast and makes our picks for each game. Find more content on . Casey Fitzgerald Jersey