In Week 2, Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta became the first tight end in NFL history to have at least five receptions in each of first two career games. It's safe to say he has been everything it was hoped he be right away, and maybe even more so this early in his career. He was sure to have a prominent role right away if he earned it, and he earned it from rookie minicamp right through training camp.
With wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown (toe) and Josh Reynolds (groin) banged up coming out of last week's game, LaPorta was lined up for a big role on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. In the first half, it has been as advertised with six receptions (on seven targets) for 70 yards.
With the game tied 3-3 in the second quarter, a play action fake left LaPorta to roam free in the Falcons' secondary.
WATCH: Lions TE Sam LaPorta catches first career touchdown on bomb from Jared Goff
Here's the video of LaPorta's first NFL touchdown.
First @NFL TD for @Samlaporta!#ATLvsDET |📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/lfDQZsKMZ8
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 24, 2023
A beautiful throw from Goff, and it really couldn't have been any easier. A nice plus-money anytime touchdown bet (odds subject to change) on LaPorta cashed too, and he quickly hit the over on his catches prop (3.5, FanDuel Sportsbook, odds subject to have changed).
A strong connection between LaPorta and Jared Goff has been instant, with instant results to match. The rookie tight end might never have an easier touchdown in the rest of NFL career than the one he had Sunday, but he's got the first one out of the way now. And it was a momentum-changing as the Lions look to get back on track with a win, while down some key players and with a short week coming.