LB Blake Martinez
Grade: B
Blake Martinez continues his domination. He’s now had six games this season with 10 or more tackles, this being his latest.
He lead the team in tackles with 10, and was one of two players on the defense with more than one tackle for loss. Leading the Giants defense in tackles is one thing, but the way Martinez gets it done is a whole different level.
The first came on the goal line stand on the Browns second drive. Martinez, with the help of Dexter Lawrence, stuffed Chubb for a one-yard loss. Though the Browns would score two plays later, they had to try abandon the run and try through the air, lest Martinez fill the hole like he did on that play.
The second was in the fourth quarter, as the Giants were down 20-3. Some players at this stage of a game might not play with the same intensity as when their team was in it to win it, but this is how Martinez separates himself from “some players.”
On a 2nd & 16 from the Giants’ 41, Mayfield threw a short pass to the dangerously explosive Kareem Hunt. But Martinez was able to read the play and stop it for a five yard loss.
It’s a linebacker’s passing responsibility to cover the flats, and despite being down by 17, and despite the ball in one of the Browns’ best playmaker’s hands, Martinez makes a play that shows why he means so much to this Giants defense going forward.