Friday Media Transcript: LB Kareem Martin

LB Kareem Martin

Conference Call, March 16, 2018

Q: Can you give us an insight into how complex (defensive coordinator) James Bettcher's defense is for a linebacker?

A: This defense -- I feel like the outside linebacker position is probably the most important. We have the most responsibilities. We're expected to set the edge on the run, rush the quarterback and drop in coverage. As far as learning curve goes, there is a slight learning curve, but when JB, when he was in Arizona, he started with the outside linebackers, so he spends a lot of time with those guys to make sure that we understand the in's and out's of the defense because he's going to expect a lot from us in that position. So he's going to do his due diligence and spend the time with us to make sure that each individual in there can play to the best of their abilities in this defense.

Q: Have you heard a lot from your new teammates yet? Have they started to pick your brain yet?

A: Not so much yet. The signing just happened last night. When I was at the facility I ran into a couple guys, but haven't really talked to anybody about the defense yet. But I'm sure within the next coming weeks, some of those things, phone calls and texts will start to roll in.

Q: What did they explain to you about what your role is going to be?

A: Pretty much kind of how I was used last year and previous years within this defense. Still not really sure, it's still early, so I have to see in OTAs how I'm specifically used. But I think I'll be a little bit of everywhere. I'll learn probably both the SAM and WILL positions and probably third downs being able to move around -- there are a lot of late, complex blitzes where he likes to move guys and get them in different places that they usually might not play. That's where my versatility comes into play for this defense. So I think Bettch, he's drawing up some good things to make sure that we have a lot of guys on the field making plays.

Q: Is there really any difference between a 3-4 and a 4-3 these days?

A: I think there is a big difference between the 3-4 outside linebackers are generally similar to a 4-3 end and with that stack backer and in the 4-3 the two outside backers in there setting the edge all the time as far as that, so I think that correlation will be an easy translation going from hand in the dirt to standup. You have to feel comfortable in the run aspect and just have to get used to dropping and that's pretty much the only difference between outside linebackers in this system compared to what they've been doing in the past with their hands in the dirt and setting the edge.

Q: When you spoke with the Giants prior to signing, did they mention to you that they wanted you to help the transition into a new defense with your new teammates?

A: Yes, that's something that I expected when they gave me the call and made the offer. I knew that I would probably be looked upon as a guy who would be asked those types of questions about the defense after being in it for the last few years and even talking with the coaches at dinner and things -- they were telling me that they know I was comfortable in the defense, and if I found anyway that I could help those guys learn it or different techniques that we had learned in the past in this defense, to feel free to do that. So I think I'll be a big help in helping a lot of the guys understand the defense along with the coaches as well. I know they're going to do a great job of teaching it and learning it themselves.

Q: What can you tell us about James Bettcher the person?

A: Oh man, he's a great guy. He's a real family man. I was real excited to get back with him. When I met him, he greeted me with a big hug and before I knew we were going to dinner, I was going to go to his house and have dinner with him and his family, and he's just a genuine person and I can tell he really cares, not just about Kareem Martin the football player, but about me as a person and my family and that also helps making this decision on coming here.

Q: Was going back to Arizona a possibility?

A: Going back early in the process was definitely a possibility. I made some great relationships with those guys these past few years and it was something I thought I might have the chance to be back. But this opportunity with the Giants came up and it was the best opportunity that I had to play in the same defense -- to come here with the DC and just to come to this organization was the best opportunity for me in this free agency.

Q: If you had to take a good guess at this point, what kind of identity can we expect from a James Bettcher defense?

A: It's going to be a relentless defense. We're a heavy blitz team in the past years and he likes to get guys run up the field and I think that's what the guys are going to be really excited about, especially the guys up front. It's a one gap defense, so the guys up front, the outside linebackers and D-line, we're just expected to go straight, hit the gap and cause disruption. You look at the last few weeks of our season last year, that's what we did in Arizona, and I can fully expect with the guys that we have here that we will do the same and easily compete with the talent and with this scheme, this could be a top defense in the NFL.

Q: Do you know (LB) Alec Ogletree?

A: I don't know him personally. I just know him from playing against him the last four years. He's a playmaker. If I'm not mistaken, the last game we played, he took a pick six to the house. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that he took a pick six when he played us at home. I've seen his playmaking ability for the last four years and I'm glad to be on the same side with him.

Q: What would you think about rejoining (S) Tyrann Mathieu in New York?

A: That would be amazing. He's such a great player and he thrives in this defense the last few years. He's a playmaker and with him and Coach Bettcher, Bettcher knows how to put him in the right spots to make him successful and I'm not sure what he's hearing as far as free agency goes, but I would love to have him come back here and play with me.