Green Bay Packers: Blake Martinez looking strong early on

The Green Bay Packers defense has had it’s hiccups, but has helped to getting to 3-1, and Blake Martinez has been a big contributor to that.

Last season, Blake Martinez enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign for the Green Bay Packers. The linebacker posted 69 tackles and one sack, while deflecting four passes and picking off one pass. Due to the strong season, he was expected to have an even larger role this year.

So far, that’s been true, and Martinez has risen to the occasion. The 23-year old leads the Packers in tackles with 25 after four game, and has already recorded one sack. Last year, he had three tackles for loss over 13 games played. Through four games this season, he’s already matched that number.

Perhaps most importantly, Martinez has played well when the Packers needed him to the most. With Nick Perry playing through an injury, Green Bay had to have someone step up in the linebacker group. Martinez has taken it upon himself to rise up to the challenge.

The Packers defense doesn’t feature a lot of star power. Mike Daniels and Clay Matthews are the veteran studs, while Perry is joined by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix as the up-and-coming stars. After that though, Green Bay has a ton of role players. However, that’s not to say someone can’t break through.

One of the main candidates to break through this year was Martinez. It wasn’t just because of his numbers last year, though. He’s got great size (6-2, 237 pounds) and matches it with impressive athleticism. Meanwhile, he seems extremely aware on the field and is one of the better tacklers on the Packers roster.

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Although it’s only been four games, it’s hard not to be impressed with what Martinez has done and excited about who he could be. As the Packers defense looks to take the next step, they’ll need some more leaders. Blake Martinez is seamlessly transitioning into that role.