Ben Johnson in Search of Anything Sam Laporta Can’t Do

Can the rookie sustain his elite performance?

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has burst onto the scene in 2023. 

The second-round pick has been among the league's best at his position through five weeks. He currently leads all tight ends in receiving yards with 289 and is fourth in receptions with 25. 

As a result, the Lions have utilized him in a number of different ways. He's proven to be reliable within Ben Johnson's system. This has left the offensive coordinator to search for areas in which his talented pass-catcher could have weaknesses. 

"I'm trying to see what he can't do right now because he's been really impressive handling it all. He's done a phenomenal job, he's a pro," Johnson said. "As a rookie, he's a pro. I give credit, every time his name has come up, with his position coach Steve Heiden. He's done a phenomenal job with him. Getting him ready week in and week out, and Sam is Uber-talented as well. You see a lot of young guys in this league, particularly at that position, they're either really strong pass catchers or maybe they're shifted the other way and they're more in the blocking department. He's equally good in both ways. Another member of our unit that is really invaluable to what we're doing right now." 

Sam LaPorta Brings 'Different Flavor' to Lions' Offense

Calculated play-caller

Johnson has been superb early in the season in the area of connecting the dots of Detroit's offense. He's proven that last season's success was no fluke, as the Lions are once again one of the most prolific units in the league. 

As it stands, the Lions rank sixth in yards per game and fourth in points per game. Both the passing game and running game are efficient, ranking within the league's top-10. 

He's gained notoriety around the league for his flair within the offense. The Lions executed two trick plays against Carolina in Week 5, one being a flea-flicker that resulted in a touchdown. 

As a result of his success, he's being hailed as an offensive mastermind.

Johnson credits his success to his calculation. Every call has a purpose, and he has a scheme for every situation the team may face. 

"Calculated. I guess that's one way to say it," Johnson explained. "Like I said, we put a lot of time as a staff into building a good plan, putting our guys in the right spots. Friday and Saturday, it just comes down to what's the best spot to call this? Where in the game, what situation, what spot on the field, all those things. And then, as a staff, we come up with plays each week. We must get this off the game plan, we must call this at some point, so we're always looking for the opportunity to call those."