The Green Bay Packers went into training camp focused on doing a better job of protecting Aaron Rodgers.
The early returns have not been encouraging.
Having allowed nine sacks through two pre-season games, the team's protection problems appear to be deeper than simply deciding whether to start TJ Lang or Derek Sherrod, the rookie first-round pick, at left guard.
Since Rodgers took over at quarterback from Brett Favre three years ago, the Packers have given up 123 sacks, an average of 41 per season.
In the five years before that, they allowed an average of 20.6 sacks per season.
While the ability of Rodgers to extend plays on his feet is a factor in the increased number of sacks, his numbers (34 in 2008, a league-high 50 in 2009 and 31 last year) are still too high, Joe Philbin, the offensive co-ordinator, said.
"If you look at our offensive production since [Rodgers] has become the quarterback, the one thing that doesn't fit what we're all about is the amount of sacks we've had," Philbin said.
"We rank about 27th in the league, where we used to be in the top five. So that's an emphasis. We did not get off to a good start with five sacks [in the first pre-season game]. That's not anywhere near where we want to be. So it's a little bit frustrating.
"We've got to do a better job."
Given how much Sherrod has struggled so far this pre-season, it came as no surprise when Mike McCarthy, the coach, decided to start Lang this week at Indianapolis and in the September 8 regular-season opener against New Orleans.
Sherrod, who was playing out of position at left guard after playing only at tackle in college at Mississippi State, sprained his knee against the Arizona Cardinals last weekend, but McCarthy said the injury had little bearing on the decision.
Lang, meanwhile, was rewarded for his professional approach."I've been here long enough to know that the depth chart can change day by day," he said. "It's my job now to play to a higher level and be an impact player for this team. I don't want to come in as a new starter for this team and have any glaring holes. I want to fill that spot and do my job."
Lang said he was motivated by the coaches giving Sherrod most of the work with the first team.
"Honestly, it made me work that much harder. I don't know if that was their goal, to kind of light a fire under [me], but whatever they did, it definitely worked," Lang said.
"Now I'm ready to set new goals for myself: be an impact player and be a guy that goes out there game after game and be consistent and continue to do my job."
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
