NY Giants: Blake Martinez primed for even bigger 2021 season

The NY Giants’ marquee signing in 2020, Blake Martinez became one of the defense’s best players last season and could be primed for an even more dominant performance in 2021

If you haven’t already purchased your Blake Martinez jersey, what are you waiting for? The NY Giants’ leading tackler in 2020 is primed for an even more dominant 2021 season – and heck, a pro-bowl may be in the cards this time around.

Frankly, it’s hard to ask Martinez to do any more than he’s already doing. And yet despite his stellar stats, some people still don’t recognize his talent.

In the last four seasons, he holds the record as the first – and only – player in the NFL to rank in the top 3 in total tackles over that stretch. Plus, he’s recorded 120+ tackles in each of those four years.

One thing he already has going for him, heading into next season, is that Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham will be returning, which means he’ll have the same coach and game plan to continue to refine as the Giants look to take a Big Blue step forward in their seemingly stalling rebuilding process.

Keys for a Pro-Bowl season for NY Giants star

While a lot of that success is predicated on QB Daniel Jones finding his groove, RB Saquon Barkley coming back one hundred percent, the offensive-line holding up without RG Kevin Zeitler and LT Nate Solder returning, and the Giants’ defense keeping the same intensity and caliber of play from last season, one player fans don’t have to worry about is their middle-linebacker.

We do, however, have to worry about who management will pick-up to complement Martinez’s talent and build around him. In the whole Giants defense, the only area looking thin is their linebacker unit – minus Martinez.

Last year, he was a one-man wrecking crew. So imagine him with more dogs around him!

https://twitter.com/Big__Blake50/status/1346123436222013446?s=20

In 2020, it was revealed that Martinez changed his diet due to a previously unknown egg and dairy allergy. By making the switch in diet prior to his first season in New York, he experienced a burst in energy and developed a whole new fitness program.

And judging by his 2020 numbers, it paid off in a big way. He only missed the Pro-Bowl because he happens to share a position with star ILBs Bobby Wagner and Fred Warner, both of whom made the NFC pro-bowl roster this year. Next to them also featured OLBs Khalil Mack, Za’Darius Smith, and former Giant Jason Pierre-Paul.

Bound for Canton, Ohio one day, Wagner racked up 138 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, 8 passes defended, and a fumble recovery.  Likewise, Warner recorded 125 total tackles, 1.0 sack, a forced fumble and recovery, along with 6 passes defended.

Maybe not as highly touted as Wagner, but Martinez’ 152 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and one recovery, an interception, and 5 passes defended surely carried more weight than Warner’s performance last season.

Moreover, Martinez played in all 16 gamed while recording 7 games with 10+ tackles throughout the season. What more does he have to do? I’ll tell you: get angry and come out guns ablazin’ in 2021!

But apart from his personal accolades, it’s his impact on a team, which – prior to signing him – was devoid of playmakers and for that matter, leaders. He is also an incredible teammate and a leader on the football field.

https://twitter.com/Big__Blake50/status/1337536948383182849?s=20

And if the Giants prioritize drafting some help around him at LB, he’ll have even more opportunities to shine.

However, their defensive line is now something of question mark, following the lose of Dalvin Tomlinson to free agency. Despite extending Leonard Williams (following his career-2020 season) to a 3-year, $63 million contract, Tomlinson’s absence is bound to a leave a hole in the middle of their line unless reinforcements can be found in free agency or the upcoming draft.

Who’s to say where that leaves cap space for the Giants to address their porous offensive depth chart (wide-receivers, o-line, and a slippery-handed TE). But aside from all those question marks, the one bright spot all Giants fans can look to for cheers next season is No. 54.