Green Bay Packers linebacker Blake Martinez was one of the NFL co-leaders in tackles in 2017. He wants to do even better in 2018.
Martinez said during Thursday night’s game that he wants to get the NFL record. That was established by Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Spielman in 1994. The number is 195. Interestingly, it seems the Packers credited Martinez with 158 tackles. The NFL credited him with 144 and the league’s count would determine the record.
So Martinez would need to add 50-odd tackles to his 2017 total. That seems like a stretch.
From last night’s @packers TV network broadcast. After 158 tackles last year @Big__Blake50 asked can he have even more this year? “Oh yeah, I’m going for the NFL record. I think it’s 198 so that’s my plan.” @chris_spielman has modern day record with 195 for #Lions in ‘94 #Packers pic.twitter.com/Oa6YBv6ts0
— Lance Allan (@lanceallan) August 10, 2018
Whether Martinez was serious or not is questionable. He kind of said that with a smile on his face.
I would mention that Martinez setting the tackles record might not necessarily be a good thing for the Packers. That means the defense would have to be a on the field A LOT.
If you look at last year’s leaders, three of the top five played for sub-.500 teams. Two players are from the winless Browns. Another, Buffalo’s Preston Brown, played for a team with a less-than-potent offense.
So I’m not sure we really need Martinez setting the tackles record.