'He's Able to Do Everything': Lions Are Not Capping TE Sam LaPorta

Lions notebook features highlights from Lions assistant coaches.

The Detroit Lions have benefitted from the quick acclimation of tight end Sam LaPorta to playing in Ben Johnson's offense. 

Through four games, Detroit's second-round pick has amassed 22 receptions for 242 yards and a receiving touchdown. 

No other tight end in NFL history has more receptions and receiving yards to start their career than the ex-Iowa Hawkeyes tight end. 

For offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, there is no limit to what LaPorta can accomplish, as he has been tested in a variety of ways and has been passing many challenges the coaching staff have put him through. 

“He needs to keep up what he’s doing, quite honestly. We’re putting him in some challenging situations and he’s comingthrough in a good way, positive way for us," said Johnson. "We’ll continue to work him. We won’t go into a week feeling like we have to cap him in any capacity. He’s able to do everything we’re asking out of that position room and we feel really good about his progress right now.”

Importance of support from Dan Campbell 

Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has played for the New York Jets and has been around media markets that become fiery when things do not go well. 

Detroit's third-year defensive coordinator expressed Dan Campbell understands how the league operates and is willing to stay the course at times, to allow those he trusts to be able to overcome challenges that are presented. 

"That’s a man that knows and that’s been around and doesn’t waver when things get rocky," said Glenn. "That’s how this league is. You take a look at my mentor, coach (Sean) Payton. You see what he’s going through. I can tell you right now what he’s doing. He’s standing right here continuing to coach. That’s the way we’ve been brought up in this league. Just trust in what you’re doing and continue to coach.”

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Confidence in Riley Patterson

After winning the battle at the kicker position coming out of training camp, Patterson has started the 2023 season making all five of his field goal attempts. 

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp expressed satisfaction with most aspects of Detroit's kicking game, including snaps and protection being executed at a high level. 

“Yeah, he’s been solid," said Fipp. "We’re obviously happy with the way he’s played. I think the whole operation around him has done a real nice job. Snaps have been really good, holds have been outstanding. The protection, I didn’t think the protection was great early on, I’ve thought it’s improved. I think the whole operation has done a really good job and he’s certainly done a very good job.”

Controlling games in closing minutes

The Lions' offense has been able to maintain leads and even extend them late in games, as the offensive line and running game has given the coaching staff confidence they can handle the pressure of closing out games. 

“I think the ability to morph into whatever’s needed. I feel good that we can throw the ball when necessary and run the ball when necessary," said Johnson. "I go back to last year, early in the season, we had Minnesota, at Minnesota, and we had an opportunity to close out that game with a lead. That was a failed four-minute drive for us. That’s something I know the offensive line, they still look back and we learned a lot from that week. When we get those opportunities in the fourth quarter and we have the ball, we’re doing everything we possibly can to not get our defense back on the field.” 

Are Lions borrowing from Miami Dolphins fast motion style of offense: 

Teams do not shy away from taking successful concepts from other NFL teams and implementing them, if they believe it can help them win games. 

Many have noticed Detroit's use of motion offensively, which has reminded them of how the Dolphins have found early success this season. 

“Kalif (Raymond) does that for us. It’s not just about being fast, you’ve gotta be quick and turn the corner to make those turns. It’s not for everybody to be able to do. Leaf is one that can do it. I don’t know if you guys have seen Saint do it," said Antwaan Randle El. "I think it’s really about the quickness, because you can be fast, but if you can’t put a foot in the ground and get vertical, now it takes you forever to turn and you can’t really get to where you need to be in the time before the D-Line gets to the quarterback. It doesn’t work for everybody but that’s something we’ve done. That’s something we could do with Jamo. Yet, I don’t know. He’s got some long strides now.”