The Detroit Lions were banking on a serious leap from wide receiver Isaac TeSLaa this year, heading into his second season with high expectations. But so far in training camp, any signs of that anticipated “big jump” have been tough to spot.
TeSLaa’s Struggles Are Obvious
It’s been a shaky summer for the young receiver, no doubt about it. Reporters from Lions practices describe TeSLaa struggling to impress against the team’s own defensive backs, and honestly, things didn’t get any better during Thursday’s game against the Bengals. TeSLaa finished that game with zero catches on three targets. Not only that, he had a crucial drop and another pass intended for him went right off his helmet, resulting in an interception. You just absolutely cannot have those kinds of plays. This is a guy who was ticketed for the third receiver role, behind established studs like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Those are big shoes to fill, and right now, the performance isn’t matching the projected spot.
Coach Campbell Isn’t Worried, Not One Bit
Despite the uneven play and those glaring stats, Head Coach Dan Campbell isn’t sounding the alarm. He gave absolutely no indication that TeSLaa’s struggles are making the team question his pecking order in the receiving corps. Campbell’s quote says it all, loud and clear: “All it takes is a couple of wins. Just a couple of wins at critical times against some guys in practice and then in a game to all of a sudden , boom , skyrockets. It goes back up.” He sees it as a “pendulum swing” for a young player, a natural up and down. His bottom line? “He’ll be fine. He’s going to be just fine.” Campbell’s advice to TeSLaa is simple and direct: “just stay the course” as he adjusts to his role on the team.
So, the message from the top is clear: keep grinding. It sounds like the Lions are still all-in on TeSLaa finding his stride. We’ll have to see if he can string together those “couple of wins” Campbell is talking about and turn this shaky start around before the regular season kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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