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The New York Giants knew they were getting one of the most prolific inside linebackers in the game when they inked Green Bay’s Blake Martinez to a three-year, $30.75 million deal before the 2020 season.
Martinez came through for the Giants immediately with 151 tackles (75 solo), good enough for fourth in the NFL. Martinez added three sacks, defensed five passes, intercepting one, and forced two fumbles.
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In a recent ranking of the NFL’s top 11 linebackers, Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield ranked Martinez at No. 10.
New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham deserves a ton of credit for how well his unit performed last season. Graham implemented some creative pressure schemes with sub packages to put opposing quarterbacks under duress while creating a numbers advantage in the secondary.
We have already outlined what cornerback James Bradberry offered in the secondary, but part of this unit’s success hinged on what linebacker Blake Martinez offered up front. For example, you’ll see in this video how his athleticism, combined with these sub packages, worked to pressure opposing passers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr4C3zV0kCk
Martinez also took a step forward in the coverage game, as his NFL passer rating when targeted of 82.6 was a career-best number for him. With the additions made up front in the draft, and the continued strength in the secondary, Martinez and the Giants defense should be in position for another solid season.
Martinez gives the Giants stability as well as flexibility in the middle of their defense. Paired with lineman Dexter Lawrence in front of him and safeties such as Jabrill Peppers, Logan Ryan and Xavier McKinney behind him, he is the centerpiece of a solid defensive spine.
Martinez played 1,053 snaps, or 97.43%, last season, the most of any Giants’ defender. He has become not only a productive piece to build around but a reliable one as well.
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