A year ago, Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta had a historic rookie season. In 10 games this rookie season, he recorded 50 receptions for 492 yards and four touchdowns. Ultimately, he had 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.

Things have changed this season and the sophomore slump seems obvious. In 10 games this season, LaPorta has just 28 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns. It’s certainly not the worst stats, but expectations were high for LaPorta based on what he did as a rookie last season.

Putting production aside, it’s obvious that LaPorta is looking “dark” this season. Although he has struggled to stay healthy, he has overcome injuries but just doesn’t look as fit as he did a season ago. Let’s watch a movie and see if we can spot the differences.

https://x.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1861395481974448197

Starting with LaPorta blocking, there will always be ups and downs for tight ends in this area. A lot of this comes down to alignment, blocking in space, or who they have to block. Sometimes there is simply inconsistency for the position. However, the play above is positive from LaPorta.

If you watch the game above, you can see LaPorta next to Taylor Decker (LT 68). Once the ball is snapped, he leaves the line with a jab step with his left foot. This forces the defense to take an extra step away from the ball and most importantly, it gives Decker a better chance or angle to seal the defense.

As for LaPorta, he’s starting to climb to the second level. From there, his target point is the outside shoulder of Colts cornerback (40) Jaylon Jones. Once LaPorta gets close, he throttles back with good pad level and starts buzzing his feet as he approaches the defender. Within striking distance, he strikes with his hands and follows through with his feet. From there, he continues to chop with his feet and clear the defender 10 or 15 yards further down.

https://x.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1720269409875320894

Looking back on last season, the trust between Jared Goff and Sam LaPorta was evident. Using the game above as an example, we return to the Monday night game between the Lions and the Raiders.

Looking at the play above, the Lions use pre-snap movement to get into a 2×2 set. Once the ball is snapped, you’ll see LaPorta running a post route, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he ran an option route. This route would change depending on the depth and direction of middle linebacker for the Raiders defense.

As Goff reads the safeties, he knows there is a possible mismatch and an opportunity for LaPorta to score a touchdown. Meanwhile, Goff obviously has confidence in throwing the ball in a tighter window since the linebacker has less coverage.

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Overall, it just feels like there is a disconnect between Goff and LaPorta this season. Going back to last week against the Colts, the Lions face a 3rd and short on their first drive of the game. These downs and distances are usually very manageable for the Lions, but this game ended up being a negative game.

Looking at the play above, the Lions use pre-snap movement to get into a condensed 3×1 set with their 12 players (one running back and two tight ends). Instead of running the ball, the Lions drop back to pass and Sam LaPorta makes an exit move.

As LaPorta begins to move upfield, he breaks through to the middle of the field on what appears to be a difficult route from 5 or 6 yards. Instead of accelerating, lowering his hips and sitting in the passing window, LaPorta runs with a high pad level and drifts toward the middle of the field. Despite very good coverage from Colts LB (44) Zaire Franklin, it seemed like Goff was trying to fit this pass into this window last season. Additionally, it feels and looks like LaPorta ran this route much cleaner a season ago.

Overall, we should all be very excited to have Sam LaPorta as the starting tight end for the Lions. He is an asset to the offense as he can produce a big play at any time. In the meantime, the defense needs to honor him whenever he’s on the field. If not, the Lions offense could remain as hot as it has been for most of this season.

While it seems obvious that there is some sort of mismatch between Goff and LaPorta, we are starting to see increased targets for the second-year tight end. Over the last four weeks, LaPorta saw 21 targets and 14 receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns. In the previous four weeks he had only seen 9 targets.

As the Lions reach the final month of the season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see their offense utilize more LaPorta in the passing game. Especially now that we are starting to see injuries to some of their playmakers like Kalif Raymond, David Montgomery and Amon-Ra St. Brown. There’s no reason to hit the panic button, but there were some concerns about Sam LaPorta at this point in the season. This Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears