GMEN HQ
FanSided

NY Giants: 10 biggest surprises through first 10 games

By Joseph Weitemeyer

Nov 15, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach Joe Judge coaches during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach Joe Judge coaches during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
Oct 4, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) stops Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) stops Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

#9 A Giants LB is the league leader in tackles

The Giants haven’t had an effective linebacker in over a decade. All that has changed with the signing of Blake Martinez.

Martinez picked up where the Green Bay Packers left him, as one of the most efficient linebackers in the league. In 2019, Martinez was second in the NFL with 155 tackles. In 2018, he was second with 144 tackles. In 2017, he was tied for first with 144 tackles.

This year, he heads into a much deserved bye week tied as the league leader with 96 tackles. Logan Ryan is closest on the Giants to him, with 59 tackles.

Martinez also has 2 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Watching the Giants play defense is watching Martinez fly to the ball all over the field.

Having someone dependable like that in the middle of the field allows Patrick Graham to try some stunts and blitz; he knows if the guy he sends misses, Martinez will be there to clean up the mess.

Why Green Bay let him walk is a mystery. The Giants were smart to snatch him up, locking him in with a three year deal for $30.75 million. He’s been worth every penny thus far.

The Giants have a long history of legendary linebackers, from Harry Carson, to Carl Banks, to Lawrence Taylor. They’ve also had strong linebackers like Jessie Armstead and Antonio Pierce. Martinez is in position to join this elite company.

Home/NY Giants News