ALLEN PARK -- Isaac TeSlaa has only two catches through his first two career games.
But those first two grabs might go down as the most impressive, highlight-reel worthy first two receptions of any wide receiver’s career.
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell joked after the game that whenever the Lions need a one-handed catch, they will call TeSlaa’s number for those spots.
“That’s it, that’s it. That’s the only place (he’s) to be used,” Campbell jokingly said. “‘What do we need here? We need a one-hand catch right before halftime? Get him in.’
“I’d say that’s two opportunities, and he’s made two plays. So, he’s going to get more opportunities.”
In the opener, the Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver made a ridiculous one-handed touchdown catch near the sideline in the end zone, somehow getting both heels down in the process from Lambeau Field.
TeSlaa was back at it again this past weekend in his home debut. And this time, the play was consequential, with the Lions able to extend their lead to 14 points right before halftime on their way to a 52-21 drubbing of the Chicago Bears.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff put the ball on the money as TeSlaa was tightly guarded by Tyrique Stevenson, with the Bears cornerback throwing his hands into the air. TeSlaa extended his right hand as he approached the sideline, somehow secured the ball and got his feet in-bounds in the process.
Officials put more time on the clock after a brief discussion, with TeSlaa’s catch sparking the Lions to roll all over the Bears at Ford Field.
And the Lions insist more is coming for TeSlaa.
TeSlaa has only two targets through the first two games. But an illness limited his practice team leading into the opener, which limited his availability until late in the fourth quarter.
But after playing only three offensive snaps in Green Bay, TeSlaa was on the field for 17 plays with the offense in Week 2. He also handled another eight reps on special teams and looks ready to roll moving forward.
TeSlaa was the darling of the preseason, making a play seemingly every time the ball came his way. He’s continued to do that since the season started, and, most importantly, he’s earning the trust of his coaches, teammates and starting quarterback.
MLive asked Lions quarterback Jared Goff after the win over the Bears about his growing trust in TeSlaa and how he hopes to use the rookie this season.
“Yeah, man, a lot. It really gains a lot of trust being able to put the ball kind of anywhere near him and see him come down with it,” Goff said. “And that was part of why he was drafted here, is to be that type of player, and he’s shown up, man. He really has. And he gets better every week.
“I’m sure his route tree is really going to grow. I mean, we’ve hit the two go-balls with him, but allowing him to run some different things as well and get the ball in his hands, and see what he can do after the catch, all that stuff is coming for him. But, yeah, he’s certainly a deep threat, and those 50-50 balls are dangerous when he’s out there.”
The Lions got the deep ball rolling against the Bears. Goff had a huge day with 334 passing yards and five touchdowns, getting 100 yards out of Amon Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams for just the second time in the same game.
And it appears Goff has another hungry mouth to feed on that offense, with TeSlaa looking like a potential secret weapon for this passing attack.
“Obviously, these catches just come down to circumstance, kind of where the ball is placed, where the defender is, and it’s just something I’ve been repping since I knew I wanted to play receiver,” TeSlaa said. “Even when I was a quarterback, I would still run some receiver drills with my dad. So, it was just a part of the routine we did every day. We would do one-handed catches, you know, every different direction.
“Just to be able to put that practice into fruition in a game like this, kind of in back-to-back games, is super cool. Obviously, you know, none of that would have mattered if we didn’t get the win, so super happy to get a big win.”
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