Blake Martinez: The Birth of a Playmaker

While Aaron Rodgers was busy hogging all the limelight with minor things like superhero-esque game winning drives, the Packers defense put together a very solid second half. In fact, their first half could have been pretty good if they could have figured out a way to get off the field on third down.

One bright spot (the only bright spot?) on the Packers defense was the play of second year pro Blake Martinez. Martinez has 12 tackles and one pass deflection, but his impact was even greater than the numbers. He demonstrated tremendous instincts and really gave the Cowboys running game fits early in the game. Even in the second half when the Green Bay defense looked gassed, Martinez was still making plays after the exhausted defensive line was getting pushed into their Linebackers.

Martinez’s development (and health) will be crucial for the Green and Gold going forward. Ted Thompson has struggled to find an impact Inside Linebacker to complete Dom Capers’ defense, and Blake could very well be a huge piece of the puzzle. While the guys in charge of stopping opposing offenses struggled mightily in Dallas, Blake Martinez could be a key to the Green Bay defense becoming good enough to allow Aaron Rodgers to win his second Super Bowl.