TJ Lang: 2015 Packers Player Report Card
By JerseyAl
T.J. Lang
- Age: 28
- Ht./Wt: 6'4", 318lbs
- College: Eastern Michigan
- NFL Experience: 7 years
Expectations coming into the season: Lang normally plays second fiddle to Josh Sitton, but together they make one of the best guard tandems in the NFL. Like Sitton, Lang would be expected to continue keeping inside pass rushers away from Aaron Rodgers and being consistent in the run game. Lang has shown a bit of a temper and would be expected to continue being the emotional leader of the offensive line unit.
Player’s highlights/low-lights: Lang got off to a slow start in the first few games of the season. He struggled with run blocking and thinking back on those games, I remember wondering what was wrong with him. ProFootballFocus seems to confirm my "gut feel" as they give him his lowest run blocking grades by far in the first three games. Ironically, one of his highlights came in one of those games. Against Seattle, when Richard Rodgers was getting his helmet pushed into the turf by KJ Wright, Lang came charging in to get Wright off of Rodgers. Wright was ejected, Lang was penaiized and later fined, but he did what a good teammate should.
Level of Expectations met: After that slow start to the season, Lang got back to his usual reliable self. His toughness always comes through in his play, but he may have discovered where the line is for being physical while not drawing penalties. Fought through shoulder and knee injuries and was probably more worthy of a Pro Bowl bid this year than Sitton.
Grade: A
Player’s contributions to team success: While Sitton had an off year (for him), Lang settled in and had his best season as a pro. Lang recorded career-lows in sacks allowed (1.5) and penalties (2), while being a leader with his actions on the field and leadership in the clubhouse,
Grade: A-
Player’s contributions in the playoffs: Lang continued his steady play despite suffering from a shoulder injury. He had no problems with whoever Washington put in front of him. His job was more difficult against the physical Cardinals defensive line, where he was credited with a few QB pressures and "bad runs."
Grade: A-
Intangibles/misc: Lang is the guy you want in the foxhole with you. He will fight tooth and nail till the very end. Fought off multiple injuries throughout the year, yet played in 17/18 games (1069 snaps). Ranked as the fifth best guard in the league this season by Pro Football Focus.
Grade: A
Overall Grade: A
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (8)
Packer_Pete
February 06, 2016 at 07:35 am
Absolutely correct grade. His best season despite injuries, and I think he'll have another 3-4 good years in him. Has some nastiness in him which one needs on the OL. I like him. But I am wondering whether he could also play RT. He did play OT at Eastern Michigan. Tretter - Linsley - Lang may be C - RG - RT, and Bulaga/Bakh - Sitton LT - LG. Maybe best combination on OL this coming season. That way one has to wonder about Bulaga and Bakh for injuries, so hopefully one of them is available for each game at least. Taylor / Walker backups at OG, and Ted will hopefully draft a OT who can backup, then this could be alright in terms of OL.
Since'61
February 06, 2016 at 08:37 am
I thought that Lang played very consistently all season. I like his physical and mental toughness and I hope that we can get him resigned after 2016. Thanks, Since '61
Rossonero
February 06, 2016 at 08:50 am
This guy is so deserving of a contract extension. I love his fight and passion. Between him and Sitton, we should be grateful we have two elite guards. Pay the man!
NickPerry
February 06, 2016 at 08:52 am
I think the grade is right on Al, Lang had a hell of a season. I love the "Enforcer" role he brings to the field always being the first to help and/or protect his teammates. Other players must think highly of him as well because no one seems to "Want Any" of Lang when he plays that role. I didn't know he had that few of penalties either, great job TJ.
4thand1
February 06, 2016 at 10:29 am
Lang is hands down top 5 or better IMO. i remember a play where he missed a block near the 5 yard line. He was at least 10 yards or more downfield having opened a huge hole. He pounded his fist on the ground , and knew they would have scored. He is a team leader also, we need to sign him.
Bearmeat
February 06, 2016 at 11:10 am
Assuming his shoulders heal well, I'd like to see Lang resigned. That said, he will be 29 after next year. I'm sure TT won't break the bank for him even if he plays really well. Assuming health and his play quality staying steady, I'm betting this is one of those "sign on the eve of free agency" things next year.
Oppy
February 06, 2016 at 12:12 pm
It seems like only yesterday a sizable number of Packers fans used to call Lang a JAG at best, or a bum at worst.
He never was, and I'm glad he's getting proper respect the last year or two that he's really deserved for most of his career.
You knew something was special with this kid when he came in his rookie year and basically played at almost every position across the offensive line, and even played some snaps at defensive tackle, too.
You knew he was tough when he withstood a full throttle Rodgers-flug cabbage to head, which was garnered after some horrible singing. :)
Rossonero
February 07, 2016 at 02:35 pm
I remember him making one of his first appearances in 2009 (rookie year) vs. The Vikings. He wasn't perfect, but he sure gave a lot of hope for the future.