Detroit Lions Looking To Get Rookie Phenom More Involved In Week 2 Gameplan

The Detroit Lions’ offense left much to be desired in their Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The unit struggled to find a rhythm and lacked the explosive plays that defined their 2024 campaign. Amidst the frustration, however, was a small but significant silver lining: the hyper-efficient performance of rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.

Despite playing only three offensive snaps, TeSlaa made his presence felt with a spectacular touchdown catch. Now, heading into their Week 2 home opener against the Chicago Bears, Head Coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that the team plans to get their promising rookie more involved. This shift could provide a much-needed spark for an offense looking to get back on track.

Detroit Lions Eye Bigger Role for Isaac TeSlaa

Isaac TeSlaa’s limited action in Week 1 was not due to a lack of talent, but rather a matter of circumstance. According to Dan Campbell, the plan was always to get the rookie involved, but an illness last week limited his practice time and forced the coaching staff to scale back his role.

“We really wanted to try and get him involved last week but then he got sick and missed a lot of practice so then we didn’t feel comfortable trying to load him up,” Campbell explained. “So, it was going to be very limited.”

With TeSlaa now feeling better and with a full week of practice ahead, the Lions are ready to unleash him. The team is looking for ways to generate more big plays, and TeSlaa’s skill set is perfectly suited for that task.

“Certainly, we’d like to use him more,” Campbell stated. “There’s something there. Looks like he’s back and feels pretty good… we’re going to start trying to get him some reps.”

TeSlaa’s Impressive Week 1 Highlights

To say TeSlaa maximized his opportunities in Week 1 would be an understatement. He played just three offensive snaps, all in the red zone, yet he finished the game as Pro Football Focus’s highest-graded offensive player for the Lions with a near-perfect 96.2 grade.

His standout moment came in the final minute of the game when he made a spectacular 13-yard, one-handed touchdown grab for the Lions’ only touchdown of the day. The play showcased the exact traits that excited the Lions when they drafted him in the third round: exceptional body control, strong hands, and the ability to win in contested situations.

“Obviously it was great to score a touchdown, but it would have been great if it was in a little different situation,” TeSlaa said after the game, showing a team-first mentality. His focus was on the unfortunate outcome of the game, not his personal achievement, which is a trait the coaching staff loves.

What TeSlaa Brings to Detroit’s Offense

TeSlaa’s increased involvement could be the key to unlocking a more dynamic passing attack for the Lions. After a quiet preseason, his impressive training camp and Week 1 flash have fans and coaches eager to see what he can do with a larger workload.

1. A Red-Zone Weapon

At 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, TeSlaa possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism. His large frame and impressive catch radius make him an ideal target in the red zone, where windows are tighter and the ability to out-physical defenders is paramount. His touchdown catch against the Packers was a perfect illustration of how he can use his size to create separation and make tough catches near the goal line.

2. A Downfield Threat

The Lions’ passing game managed only one explosive play against the Packers. TeSlaa has the potential to change that. With reported 4.4 speed, he can stretch the field and force safeties to respect his downfield ability. This not only creates opportunities for himself but also opens up underneath routes for players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. His presence can force defenses to defend every blade of grass.

3. A Versatile Route Runner

TeSlaa is not just a size-speed specimen; he is a polished route runner who understands how to use his frame to create separation at all levels of the field. He demonstrated throughout training camp and the preseason that he can win on short, intermediate, and deep routes. This versatility allows offensive coordinator John Morton to move him around the formation and create favorable matchups.

As the Lions prepare for their home opener, all signs point to Isaac TeSlaa being a more integral part of the game plan. For a team in need of an offensive spark, his infusion of size, speed, and playmaking ability could be exactly what they need to get their season back on track.