Isaac TeSlaa's impressive catch should earn him more targets for Lions' offense

The Detroit Lions didn't do much right in Week 1 offensively, putting up just 200 passing yards in a dismal 27-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers.

Prior to the fourth-quarter, the Lions hadn't scored a touchdown. They struggled to move the ball consistently much less pay off any red zone opportunities. Finally, though, the seal was broken by rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.

TeSlaa, coming off a fantastic preseason, didn't see any targets until the end of the game. He made his one look count, soaring above the Green Bay defense and coming down with a one-handed catch for an impressive score.

TeSlaa has been seen as a major red zone weapon since being drafted by the Lions, so the fact that Detroit didn't get him more looks as they moved down field is unfathomable. All preseason, TeSlaa showed that no matter who is playing quarterback, just getting the ball in the air in his direction can be enough.

The first career score was impressive, and the hope is that TeSlaa gets more involved in the offense. With the weakened state of Detroit's attack after Week 1, that could be just what the doctor ordered to turn things around.

John Morton should use TeSlaa to unlock Lions' downfield pass attack

If there was one major problem with Morton's offensive plan in Week 1, it's the fact that the Lions didn't push the ball down field enough. It could have something to do with the fact that Detroit's line struggled badly, but the fact remains that more deep shots should have been taken.

Thus far, TeSlaa has shown that his frame and ability to come down with contested passes could be an asset for the Lions. Detroit already has Jameson Williams to blow by defenders on deep routes. They've got Amon-Ra St. Brown to maximize targets with yards after the catch, but TeSlaa brings the wild card of size and physicality. Both those traits matter in the red zone.

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While the Lions have to be able to run the ball effectively in order to make their deep shots count, the fact remains that attempts need to be made to open up the offense. TeSlaa, while he is just a rookie, could unlock this for the Lions.

Afterward, TeSlaa couldn't point to one specific reason the offense sputtered, but admitted it was a tough question to answer given he watched most of the game from the bench.

"It's kind of hard to tell from the sideline. I guarantee it's just little small things. There wasn't anything major out here that was really giving us trouble. So it's really just about going back, watching tape and cleaning things up going forward in the next week."

For Week 2, it sounds like TeSlaa will get the opportunity to flex a bit more of these receiving instincts, as head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Monday that he'll have a larger role in the offense moving forward. He was sidelined for much of the game as he was still ramping back up from an illness earlier in the week.

It's early to proclaim Detroit's offense is on the brink, but the situation feels as desperate as it has in three years even if the fixes are small. Morton should be willing to try anything to improve, and TeSlaa showed why he could be the best option with one major catch.