Over a nine-year career, Detroit Lions starting right guard T.J. Lang has won a Super Bowl with Green Bay, been to the Pro Bowl twice, and played in 132 NFL games. He's accomplished a lot in his nearly decade-long playing career, but that doesn't mean a player like him can't come into his 10th season in the league with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
Lang was part of a Lions offensive line last year that dealt with a lot of injuries and performance issues. Detroit started 11 different starting combinations, ranked last in the NFL in rushing, and was part of an offense that collectively allowed 47 sacks.
"Obviously everybody knew about the health, injuries," Lang said. "I don't think anybody's going to sit here and tell you we had a great performance last year, but you know what, since we walked in the door on April 9th, whatever it was, I don't think anybody spoke one word about last year. I think we spoke about what we need to do this year, what we need to improve on, and kept our sights, kept our focus on that.
"But yeah, I think it's human nature to kind of, you always have that in the back of your head that maybe it's some people didn't think you were very good, maybe it's as a unit, as an individual, whatever it is, and I'm sure that drives some guys. Not to be cliché, but I think a lot of guys have some urgency and definitely a little bit of a chip on their shoulder."
On paper, this offensive line has the potential to be good, with health really being the biggest key. Lang and starting right tackle Rick Wagner have a history of success in this league. Graham Glasgow has steadily improved every year, and was graded as the eighth best center in the league last season by Pro Football Focus.
GM Bob Quinn has spent first-round picks on left tackle Taylor Decker in 2016 and this past offseason on interior lineman Frank Ragnow.
PFF is pretty high on Detroit's potential upfront in 2018. They recently slotted the Lions' starting five as the eighth best unit heading into the season.
"The Lions have quietly built an offensive line that could be the best Matthew Stafford has ever played behind," the website wrote. "After signing right guard T.J. Lang and right tackle Rick Wagner last offseason, the Lions drafted PFF's top-rated college center, Arkansas' Frank Ragnow, in the first round this April. Now with Taylor Decker a year removed from a torn pectoral, the Lions have a chance to throw out five quality starters for the first time in a while."
That's a pretty fair assessment, but again, it all hinders on staying healthy.
View photos from Day 5 of 2018 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage.
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) takes the field for training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) stretches before training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) warms up during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia talks with linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) works on a blocking drill during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) works on a blocking drill during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) works on a blocking drill during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jace Billingsley (16) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sean McGrath (85) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Luke Willson (82) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Luke Willson (82) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) hands off to running back Dwayne Washington (36) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) takes the handoff from quarterback Jake Rudock (14) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) runs a route during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) holds on to a catch during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) catches a pass during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) catches a pass during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) catches a pass during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) catches a pass during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) holds onto a catch during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) makes a one-handed catch during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Chris Lacy (18) makes a catch during one-on-one drills in training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) works to get open against defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during one-on-one drills in training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback DeShawn Shead (26) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver TJ Jones (13) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) tries to get open against cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during one-on-one drills in training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) blankets wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) catches a deep pass during one-on-one drills in training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) catches a deep pass during one-on-one drills in training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington (45) breaks up a pass during one-on-one drills in training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (1) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) fires a pass during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) lines up on defense during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Luke Willson (82) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. (61) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Sylvester Williams (92) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington (45) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock (14) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock (14) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Fans watch practice at Detroit Lions training camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (97) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) gets the defense ready for a snap during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback DeShawn Shead (26) works on a special teams drill with wide receiver Chris Lacy (18) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Chris Lacy (18) works on a special teams drill during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Graham Glasgow (60) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jonathan Freeny (55) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Fans watch practice at Detroit Lions training camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and the offensive huddle during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bellore (43) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Anthony Zettel (69) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) breaks up a pass during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Ryan Santoso (2) during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia signs autographs for visitors from Detroit PAL following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
A young fan gets her face painted before Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia high-fives fans following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker and head coach Matt Patricia sign autographs for fans following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay takes a selfie with a fan following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay, running back Theo Riddick (25) and cornerback Darius Slay sign autographs for fans following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
A fan reacts to his face paint reveal during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
A fan tries out the vertical jump during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Fans pose for a photo with the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Fans take a photo in front of the giant L-I-O-N-S letters during training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount talks to the media following training camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
"I know everybody wants to talk about the health," Lang said. "We try to control what we control. We try to control our effort, we try to control our attitude and those are two things I think that as long as we show up every day with the right mindset I think we're going to improve every day and that's where our focus is."
Both Quinn and Lions head coach Matt Patricia have talked about the need to be strong in the trenches and up the middle. Patricia made the comment Wednesday that the unique thing about offensive line play is trying to get five guys to see a play through the same pair of eyes.
Quinn's put a lot of resources into the offensive line, and it appears to be a nice collection of complementary parts with the right attitudes.
"Obviously, we've got to work every day," Lang said. "We've got a lot of things we need to improve on, just like every group. We took our lumps last year and I think everybody's making sure we're going to do our part to not let that happen again."
