Martinez ready to lead

LB is key addition to 2020 NYG D

- Mike Addvensky

General manager Dave Gettleman made some significant changes to his team’s roster this offseason. He specifically focused his attention on revamping the offensive line and linebacking corps, two units that should be noticeably stronger than they have been over the past few seasons. Arguably the most important move that Gettleman made during the last five months was the signing of Blake Martinez.

Martinez signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Giants in late March. For a guy that has recorded more than 140 total tackles in each of his last three seasons, this was a very smart deal. Martinez will now take over the position that Alec Ogletree had for the Giants in 2018 and 2019. Ogletree was a turnover machine during his time in East Rutherford, as he had six interceptions (including two returned for touchdowns) over the two seasons he spent with the Giants. However, he was never as good of a tackler as Martinez was when he was with the Green Bay Packers.

Not only are the Giants getting an excellent tackler in Martinez, he is someone who can be the leader of their defense for the next few years. More importantly, he wants to take on this role. During a Zoom call with reporters earlier this month, Martinez made it clear that he is comfortable taking on this significant responsibility right away.

“I pride myself on not being too flustered in any moments and being that rock for the defense,” he said. “Especially obviously for me being the quote, unquote, ‘quarterback of the defense’. Being that guy that’s always calm, cool, and collected.”