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NY Giants vs Seattle Seahawks: 3 Key Matchups

By Danny Friedman

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 22: Evan Engram
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 22: Evan Engram /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 12: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball as he is tackled by Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 12: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball as he is tackled by Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Matchup #2: Russell Wilson (QB) vs Blake Martinez (MIKE LB)

Russell Wilson vs Blake Martinez is another key matchup between the Seattle offense and the NY Giants’ defense. This is another matchup with some prior history between the two,

Martinez and Wilson have faced off three times before. Martinez won the first matchup with Green Bay in 2017 before Russ beat them the following regular season in 2018. Blake got the last laugh, as the Packers beat Russ and his Seahawks in the playoffs at Lambeau last January. In those three games combined, Martinez racked up 18 tackles and two for a loss.

Blake Martinez has been the most impactful linebacker the NY Giants have had in a decade. He’s made his presence felt in every game so far, contributing 101 tackles (5th in the NFL), two sacks, seven tackles for a loss, and one interception, forced fumble, and fumble recovery apiece. #54 has been the rock in the middle of the much-improved Big Blue defense.

As good as Martinez has played, it’s never an easy task asking any player to stop an elite quarterback and a top MVP candidate. That is exactly who Russell Wilson is; he’s one of the most dangerous players in the entire league and is one of the premier faces of the NFL.

In 2020, Wilson has taken his game to new heights. He is 4th in the league with 278 completions, 2nd in completion percentage only behind Drew Brees, he’s 3rd in yards, 5th in yards per attempt, 2nd in passing touchdowns with 31, and is 4th in the league in QB rating with a ridiculous 110.8 QB rating. Simply put, Russ is one of the most dominant, well-rounded, athletic, and electric quarterbacks the NFL has had for quite a while now.

Wilson is a magician in the pocket and even more dangerous when throwing on the run. Martinez and his fellow linebackers will need to do everything possible to force Russ to stay in the pocket and not create extra time for himself and for his receivers downfield to get open. Limiting his space and timing in the pocket will give the NY Giants their best shot at containing Wilson and the value he brings to the Seahawks’ offense.

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