In an offseason that consisted of many front office and coaching additions for the New York Giants, the hiring of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale created as much excitement as any move.
So far, the Giants’ new defensive play-caller has delivered. Through five games, the most points allowed by the Giants in a game is just 23 points. The defense of the Giants currently ranks 12th overall in football (326 yards per game). They rank ninth in both pass defense (194.4 yards per game) and points allowed (18.6 per game).
The pass defense of the Giants may not have an interception yet, but Martindale’s unit does lead the NFL in fumbles forced with six.
Under Martindale, the team’s 2019 draft picks, Dexter Lawrence, Julian Love, and Oshane Ximines have shown remarkable growth.
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New York Giants DC Wink Martindale speaks on new team:
Before coming to the Giants, Martindale spent the last 10 years with the Baltimore Ravens. He recently spoke on how the change with the Giants has helped him leading up to this weekend’s matchup with the Ravens.
“I always believe that wherever you’re at is where you’re supposed to be. John (Harbaugh) and I had conversations way back before they made the announcement of about where we wanted to be and what we wanted to do. I knew there was going to be a lot of movement in the NFL, and it has re-energized me to go someplace new and try to build it again. It was like I said, we’re family, John and I are. It was nothing negative, it was just time. When I say it was just time, it was just time for both of us.”
Via Giants.com
Ahead of the rematch for Martindale, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson spoke on the defensive coordinator’s style with their experience together.
“Coach ‘Wink’ is known for exotic blitzes and just doing his thing. [I’ve been doing] a lot of studying and going against (Martindale) all the time in practices since my rookie season. Those guys are doing a great job at all types of blitzes. Different guys trapping with the blitz, cover-zero blitzes and stuff like that.”
The Giants have gotten some thrilling early returns from their new front office and coaching additions. Martindale, with his pedigree, experience, and aggressive scheme, has given the Giants everything they could have asked for. Martindale will look to put together another great game together against his former team on Sunday.