Steve Smith meets defenders head on in last week’s wild-card game against Tampa Bay. AP Photo/Scott Audette

He’s back, healthy and making a name for himself at the next level. Three weeks ago, the rookie Smith hauled in a few impressive passes in the regular season closer against the Patriots. Last weekend he did it again, to help Eli Manning and his New York Giants beat Tampa Bay and move past the wildcard stage of the NFL playoffs. In Sunday’s playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, the former USC receiver put it in gear catching a key pass on third-and-six midway through the third quarter, to keep Manning’s scoring drive alive.

Steve Smith caught four passes for 48 yards in the Giants 21-17 victory over the Cowboys, moving the team within one game of the Super Bowl.