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New York Giants 2022 Training Camp Roster Preview: ILB Blake Martinez

Can Blake Martinez come back from his season-ending injury and return to his 2020 form for the new run Giants defense?

New York Giants inside linebacker and defensive co-captain Blake Martinez’s 2021 season barely got off the ground before an ACL injury in Week 3 against the Falcons took him out for the rest of the year. Many fans thought this would contribute to Martinez being a cap casualty this off-season, but thanks to a rework of his contract, Martinez will be a New York Giant in 2022.

This was excellent news for the team, as his presence was certainly missed. A once formidable unit and strength of the team began to fall apart in 2021, and the loss of Martinez played a significant role in this collapse. Luckily, after making it known during OTAs that Martinez was on track in rehab, the Giants anticipate having him back on the field in Week 1.

Although many may already know what Martinez brings to Big Blue’s defense, don’t forget that he will be playing in a new defensive scheme. Does Martinez fit in the new defense? Will he be asked to serve a different role this season? What can fans expect from the 28-year-old linebacker this year?

Nov 8, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) celebrates after an interception against the Washington Football Team in the second quarter at FedExField.
DeAndre Hopkins of the Cardinals runs after the catch and is tackled by Blake Martinez of the Giants in the first half as the Arizona Cardinals played the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on December 13, 2020.
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) in the first quarter. The Giants face the 49ers in an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford. Giants 49ers

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