For veteran linebacker Blake Martinez, who signed as a free agent back in March, that doesn’t sit well. [1][2] In addition to lettering in football, he also lettered in basketball and volleyball. He also forced a fumble in a third and goal situation from Daniel Lasco. [26] The nickname is a play on "Shake and Bake", a catchphrase of popularized by the film Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. We’ve just got to keep fixing those things and keep minimizing those as much as possible.”. His best game of the year coming against the rival California Golden Bears where he had six tackles, forced a fumble, and had his first career interception. The defense blew a coverage late, which resulted in a game-sealing touchdowns for the Los Angeles Rams, but that was really the least of the Giants’ problems. How the Giants are addressing their offseason. [14][15] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, he was projected to be a fourth to sixth round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. The game came down to the final moments when Ron Rivera (Riverboat Ron, as it were) decided to attempt a two-point conversion for the win instead of going for the tie. [31] On January 1, 2017, Martinez made three solo tackles and made his first career sack on Matthew Stafford in the Packers' 31–24 victory at the Detroit Lions. For veteran linebacker Blake Martinez, who signed as a free agent back in March, that doesn’t sit well. [27], Head coach Mike McCarthy named Martinez and Ryan the starting inside linebackers, with Nick Perry and Clay Matthews III as the starting outside linebackers, to begin the regular season. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. [1] In arguably his best game of the season, he intercepted back-to-back passes that had been thrown by quarterback Jared Goff, the first overall draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Each time we’re on the field, we try to limit the offense to zero points on the board. [13] He attended a few private workouts and visits with multiple teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. [37] Pro Football Focus gave Martinez an overall grade of 80.2 for 2017 and his grade ranked 23rd among all qualifying linebackers. On December 3, 2018, the Green Bay Packers announced their decision to fire head coach Mike McCarthy after a 20–17 loss against the Arizona Cardinals brought them to a 4–7 record. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers and offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett were both relieved of their duties after the season. [29] On October 20, 2016, he recorded five combined tackles, two pass break ups, and made his first career interception off Matt Barkley during a 26–10 win against the Chicago Bears. The Packers then defeated the Dallas Cowboys, but were defeated 44–21 by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship. The Green Bay Packers selected Martinez in the fourth round (131st overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. [46], On March 26, 2020, Martinez signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the New York Giants. However, one defensive back expert believes there is a long-term solution on the roster.