The Detroit Lions offense may sputter at times, but their talent is unquestionable.
Loaded with offensive weapons, when the Lions (5-3) are operating at a high level it can be just about anyone breaking through for a big game.
That’s what the Washington Commanders (3-6) are preparing for when the Lions visit them on Sunday for a Week 10 matchup. But defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has his eyes particularly on one of the often lesser-hailed starters on the team.
During a media session this week, Whitt praised many of the Lions’ playmakers, none more than tight end Sam LaPorta, who he believes to be the best tight end in the NFL.
“In my opinion, he’s the top one, two, three top tight ends in the league. I have a lot of respect and regard for his ability,” Whitt said. “We talk about and somebody says ‘this guy’s better,’ I don’t know if there’s a guy that I can say is necessarily a better tight end than him from a skill set standpoint. I think he’s really talented.”
There certainly won’t be many arguments coming from the Lions’ side with that assessment. The third-year Lion was a Pro Bowler and Second-team All-Pro as a rookie and has continued to play a vital role in the Detroit offense.
His numbers may have ticked down since his first season as he’s not hitting the monstrous 120-target debut season he had. But he ranks 6th among NFL tight ends for receiving yards with 436 on 35 catches and three touchdowns.
LaPorta, 24, is coming off a season-high six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
Whitt has seen LaPorta every year since the Iowa product entered the league.
As a rookie, LaPorta torched Whitt and current Commanders head coach Dan Quinn’s Dallas Cowboys defense for 84 yards on seven catches. The following year LaPorta had six catches for 51 yards and a touchdown in the Lions’ playoff matchup with Washington.
The Commanders certainly aren’t taking away anything from the rest of the Lions offense, who they are eager to try and quell given Washington’s recent shortcomings on defense.
“It starts with the quarterback. He throws with anticipation. He’s calm in the pocket,” Whitt said of quarterback Jared Goff.
“They have just so much speed and versatility from (their wide receivers) right there. And then you have two different types of running backs. One that can get on the edge right now and go, and then you have a a guy that runs a little bit more more behind his pads.”
The Lions’ offense is coming off an inconsistent performance that cost them a crucial NFC North game against the Vikings.
Detroit’s offense will be motivated to come back with some energy, particularly against the team that knocked them from the playoffs last season. LaPorta was there and it would be of little surprise to see him play a key role in avenging the defeat.
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