For the first time in three years, Detroit Lions lineman T.J. Lang is not spending his offseason recovering from a major injury or surgery. Lang expressed his happiness about his health, and displayed some excitement for the signings of LeGarrette Blount and Matt Patricia in a press conference on Thursday.
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The veteran said that he feels pretty good right now, which was not the case at this point in the offseason the past two years, having hip surgery last year and shoulder surgery the year before.
“It came pretty quick. I want to say by February I was feeling pretty good,” Lang said. “I’m not making any big predictions here, but this is the first time I’ve done an offseason workout in the last three years.”
Lang also spoke about the run game in his presser, and how that will be a big point of emphasis in the offseason as they make their way into on-field drills.
“It’s no secret. Everybody in that room, especially in that O-line room, wants to be responsible for our part of having a well balanced offense. That requires you run the ball effectively.”
One piece that the Lions are hoping will spark a better run game this season is the signing of LeGarrette Blount. Lang says that he is still trying to get to know him, but noted Blount’s impressive resume and his reputation of being a “bruiser”. Even with a running back who could play a big role, Lang still knows that the offensive line has just as much responsibility with the run game.
“You also understand as offensive linemen that we got to do our part to make sure that he can showcase what he’s about. It’s a team effort and I’m excited to have him on board,” he said.
Lions new Head Coach Matt Patricia has his work cut out for him to try to straighten out the run game, which ranked 32nd in the league according to Pro Football Reference.
Lang showed some enthusiasm when asked about his first impressions of Patricia, and spoke on how he is another guy who has won multiple championships and comes from a successful organization. He also made note of Patricia’s excitement and passion for football, which has been a sentiment mentioned by multiple players from both the Lions and Patriots organizations who have gotten the chance to work with him.
The Lions will have voluntary minicamp next Tuesday through Thursday – Day 1 of the NFL draft.
