Always Fun Seeing a Former Green Bay Packers Player Take a Shot at Them

Contrary to the popular myth, the Green Bay Packers aren't viewed as the gold standard of the NFL these days. Most of their success in recent years can be credited to the presence of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. A lot of players who have left that team have actually gone on to have greater success elsewhere. Among them include Micah Hyde, Casey Hayward, Damarious Randle, and Vince Biegel.

Could inside linebacker Blake Martinez be the next in that line? Despite over 450 tackles, nine sacks, and two interceptions in the past three years the former 4th round pick found himself rather unappreciated, leaving in free agency to join the New York Giants. When asked about why the Packers possibly didn't want him despite his obvious productivity, he couldn't help but take a dig at their system.

"It was 50/50 of a surprise and not a surprise. I think the way they value the inside linebacker position especially in that defense, it wasn't as valued as other places I guess in my opinion."

He wasn't done either.

Martinez knows the stigma about him being a liability in coverage. However, he made it seem like that was never really in his job description.

"In our defense no matter what it was, since I was the only linebacker on the field, I was taught and told once again, to be the cleanup crew guy. There wasn't any gap responsibilities for me. It was just kind of 'hey play off Kenny (Clark), play off Za'Darius (Smith), play off Preston (Smith), play off Dean (Lowry),' play off these guys and basically make them right. They were able to do whatever they wanted to do and then I would go make the plays depending on that. I know there's been things like you make tackles down the field, you make tackles here, you make tackles there. For the majority of the time there, that's what I was told to do. It's just me, I guess doing my job in that sense."

Clearly he's now impressed with Green Bay Packers scheme

Martinez seems to believe there isn't much to be impressed about with the Packers' defensive scheme. It's basically driven by the success of the front line. When it goes, everything works. When it doesn't, everywhere else gets blamed for it. The Packers defense didn't allow a ton of points in 2019, but that was thanks to some considerable success in the red zone. They were hardly a unit that could shut opponents down, finishing 15th against the pass and 23rd against the run.

This despite having two Pro Bowl edge rushers and a Pro Bowl nose tackle. Not to mention several high draft choices in the secondary. Maybe Martinez knows what he's talking about.