TJ Lang Needs a New Deal

Look at this big dumb galoot, don't you want him back? I know I do.

                Last and probably least on our list of must-sign pending free agents is left guard TJ Lang. Lang will most certainly play an important role this year as the firmly entrenched started between a brand new center and relatively inexperienced left tackle. He will be tasked with maintaining stability on a left side of the line in flux, and will need to build off of his solid year last year as a starter to do so. As a first year starter in 2011, Lang drew praise from the coaching staff and was not exposed as a wannabe. He showed he can start in the league and was an important part of one of the most prolific offenses ever. At 24 years old, he’s got a potentially long future ahead of him and decent experience to boot. Add his good size to the equation and you’ve got yourself a nice starter at left guard.

                Drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 draft, Lang was most likely tabbed as a potential future starter from the get go. He paid his dues behind the underwhelming Daryn Colledge for two seasons before the Packers gave him his chance to start. Although Lang had by all accounts a good first season as a starter, he’d be wise not to get too comfortable. Ted Thompson has shown a willingness to part ways with former starters along the offensive line since he came to Green Bay. The pattern began in his first year as GM, when he released veteran guards Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle. The trend continued when he allowed guards Jason Spitz and Colledge to walk last year, and declined to even attempt to resign Scott Wells this offseason.

                As I’ve stated before, I’m not necessarily in a position to analyze the play of offensive linemen. Like most football fans, my attention is usually drawn to the ball, and I only notice linemen when they’re beat for a sack or called for holding. That being said, I’m a firm believer that the most important factor in the play of an offensive line as a unit is time spent playing together. The more familiar you are with you linemates’ habits, the more comfortable you are with your own responsibilities, which will lead to playing with more confidence. An offensive line must be a cohesive unit, and shuffling players in and out undermines that ongoing process. In other words, if TJ Lang isn’t confident that Marshall Newhouse knows that he’s responsible for the outside rusher, then how can TJ feel confident that blocking his man will do anything to protect the passer and ensure a positive play?

                It wasn’t long ago that the Packers were mired in a funk of poor pass protection, and its effects were felt throughout the franchise. Rodgers, though he has shown quite a bit of toughness, is simply not going to be able to absorb hits like Brett Favre. Honestly, part of the reason is that he’s too smart to run out onto the field against doctors, trainers and coaches orders following a concussion. The protection has improved significantly with the arrival of Lang and Sitton and Bulaga, and we’ve got a 15-1 season and a world championship to show for it. Do not take for granted what the big men up front do, and do not forget that they are easily the most important position group behind quarterback.

                I don’t think TJ Lang is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I know he doesn’t have incredibly size or strength. I know he’s not even the best guard on our team. I also know that he’s shown that he’s a capable starter, he’s only 24 years old, and he’d be inexpensive to resign even if he has another good season this year. Again, stability on the line is paramount, and Lang is the only one providing that on the left side going into this season. The more these young guys play together, the better they’ll become and the more time Rodgers has to dissect a defense. That sounds nice doesn’t it? Offensive linemen become incredibly expensive after they’ve established themselves as Pro Bowlers. Lang won’t be the cheapest guard out there after this year, but he’ll be affordable. While I don’t think there’s any urgency to sign him now or even during the season, I do think Thompson would be wise to bring him back on a long term deal after this season. Of course that’s all dependent on the price, but Lang doesn’t seem like the type of guy to demand huge money or think he’s more talented than he is.