Detroit’s Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta isn’t just a pass-catcher. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing made it crystal clear this week: his game goes “well beyond just catching the football.” With Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints looming, Petzing is gushing over LaPorta’s versatility, hinting at a whole new level of impact that should put the rest of the league on high alert.
Lions’ O-Line Battles: No Panic, Just Pushing Forward
Any good offense starts up front, and the Lions are still figuring out their left guard spot, with Ben Bartch and Christian Mahogany vying for reps. Petzing praised Bartch, saying his “physicality and the communication” are paramount. He called Bartch a “really smart player” who “communicates well,” highlighting his “physicality,” “finish,” and “attitude.” That’s strong praise for a veteran lineman, right?
Petzing also tackled the talk about a potential guard rotation. He downplayed any panic, admitting it’s “not ideal” but insisting they’ll be “fine.” For him, it’s all about “an opportunity for those guys to continue to compete and earn their reps and to help this team win games.” Plus, there’s Juice Scruggs, stepping in at center for the injured Cade Mays. Petzing challenged Scruggs early on to get louder and inject more conviction into his pre-snap calls. Scruggs, Petzing said, has “really embraced that” challenge, doing a “nice job…these last couple of weeks.” As Petzing put it, “If you don’t say anything or you’re too quiet, that’s where problems arise.” Getting “all 11 people on the field…doing the same thing” gives them a “chance to play good football,” even if it’s “might not be the perfect thing.” That’s the kind of pragmatic thinking you love to see!
LaPorta’s Unlocked Potential is Seriously Dangerous
Back to LaPorta, because the potential here is massive. Petzing helped former Cardinals tight end Trey McBride set NFL records, so he knows a thing or two about maximizing the position. Now with LaPorta, it sounds like the sky is truly the limit. Petzing is absolutely blown away by what LaPorta brings to the field. He’s “very dynamic in the passing game,” possessing a “big body, great body control, great hands, really good route runner” who “uses his body at the top of routes.”
But here’s the kicker: Petzing highlighted LaPorta’s “ability to do pass pro, to play in the run game, to play off the ball and on the move or outside the core is really impressive.” That all-around skill is what makes him so dangerous. The Lions are clearly ready to unleash him in every possible way against the Saints.
So, the Lions gear up for their Week 1 clash against the New Orleans Saints. It’s an early test to see if all this coordinator confidence translates onto the field. Meanwhile, back here in the Emerald City, our own Seattle Seahawks kicked off their NFL season right, taking down the New England Patriots 13-10 in a tough fight. That’s how you start the season, folks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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