Why T.J. Lang Is the Green Bay Packers Most Overlooked 2015 Offensive Starter

There is no doubt that the offensive unit of the Green Bay Packers is one of the best in the NFL. The offense finished 6th in total yardage in 2014 and led the entire league in scoring.

All parts of the offense flourished. The passing offense was eighth in the league statistically, while the Packers finished 11th in rushing.

There are stars everywhere on the unit, as well.

It starts with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who won his second NFL MVP award in 2014 after throwing for 4,381 yards and tossing 38 touchdown passes versus just five interceptions.

Rodgers finished with a passer rating of 112.2 last season, which means No. 12 has had six consecutive years now of having a passer rating over 100.

He had a lot of success throwing to his wide receivers, namely Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and rookie Davante Adams. Those three combined to have 227 receptions for 3,252 yards and 28 touchdowns.

The tight ends also helped in the passing game. Between Andrew Quarless and rookie Richard Rodgers, the two combined for 49 catches for 548 yards and five touchdowns.

The running game was led by Eddie Lacy, who had another terrific season in Green Bay, a year after he won the 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Lacy rushed for 1,139 yards (4.6 average) and nine touchdowns. Lacy also was very good catching the ball out of the backfield, as he had 42 receptions for 427 yards and four more scores.

Both the passing game and the running game were helped by the best offensive line play the Packers have had in over a decade.

When the honors came out after the season, Rodgers had his NFL MVP award and was named to the Pro Bowl squad, along with other players on the offense like Nelson, Cobb, fullback John Kuhn and left guard Josh Sitton.

On defense, Clay Matthews and Sam Shields also made the Pro Bowl roster.

In terms of the All-Pro teams, Rodgers was named first-team quarterback, while Kuhn was named first-team fullback.

Both Nelson and Sitton were named to the second team.

Other offensive players who received votes were right tackle Bryan Bulaga and rookie center Corey Linsley.

Linsley also made the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2014, as did safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

So far, I've named just about everyone on the offense, except for two players. They would be left tackle David Bakhtiari and right guard T.J. Lang.

Bakhtiari was a starter at left tackle as a rookie in 2013 and performed pretty well in that role. In 2014, he was even better, as he became stronger and was a better run-blocker. Bakhtiari also protected the blindside of No. 12 quite well as a pass protector.

Lang just continues to get better. But because Sitton is the big name for the Packers at guard, Lang does not receive the credit he deserves.

Since the 6'4", 318-pound Lang came into the league in 2009 out of Eastern Michigan, No. 70 has played every position on the offensive line. Talk about versatility.

As a rookie, Lang played in all 16 games and started three games at either left or right tackle.

In 2010, he took a step backward, as he didn't put in the time or effort to become a better pro.

That all changed in 2011.

Lang started 15 games at left guard and one at right tackle. One could see that he was focused on football.  His performance definitely improved, and he showed a tenacious side to his play.

In 2012, Lang played in 15 games, with 12 starts at left guard and three more at right tackle. In 2013, Lang moved to right guard, while Sitton moved to left guard. Lang started 16 games at right guard and saw some time at center because of an injury to Evan Dietrich-Smith.

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In 2014, Lang had his best year yet.

After the season, Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel did a report card for all the players on the Packers, which included the offense.

This was his report on Lang:

"

T.J. Lang: Made his second season at RG the best of his career and was unanimous pick on the All-NFC North team. Tied his career-low for "bad" runs with 11½, which was tied for second on the O-line. Also served as the primary puller on 32 runs for 93 yards (2.9). Generally makes sound decisions on combo blocks, able to adjust easily on pre-snap checks and relishes the rough-and-tumble aspect of the job. Views himself as an enforcer ready to protect teammates at all costs. Made significant strides as one-on-one pass blocker and against stunts. Allowed one sack in both 2013 and '14 after yielding 5½ in '12. Can be a step slow getting to the second level. Always hustling and looking for somebody to hit. Played on a bad ankle for about six games. Grade: B.

"

It wasn't just McGinn who saw the how well Lang played in 2014. So did Pro Football Focus, as they named Lang to the All-NFC North team along with Sitton, Aaron Rodgers, Lacy, Nelson, Cobb, Bulaga and Linsley on the offense.

Pro Football Focus wrote about the Sitton-Lang tandem:

"

The Packers had one of the top two guard pairings (the other being the Ravens) in Sitton and Lang. Sitton was outstanding all season in the pass game, leading the league in Pass Blocking Efficiency at 98.7 (allowed 10 total pressures) while Lang shined in the running game.

"

In addition to that, the play of both Sitton and Lang helped the quick development of Linsley at center, as the rookie from Ohio State had two players on each side of him who he could rely on with the physical and the mental part of the game in the NFL.

Bottom line, Lang will not be overlooked for too much longer in the NFL—especially if his play continues to get better, like it has over the past few seasons.

If that happens, Lang will join Sitton in getting some accolades and awards from the NFL.

One thing is for sure, Lang's teammates on the Packers don't overlook him. They know how important No. 70 is to the success of the offense and the team as a whole.