Why Sam LaPorta’s “Dip” in Year Two Isn’t a Concern—It’s a Sign of Growth
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Yes, Sam LaPorta’s raw stats dipped slightly in his sophomore season. But hold up—before anyone hits the panic button in Detroit, take a breath. The Lions’ tight end might not have matched his jaw-dropping rookie numbers, but that doesn’t mean he regressed. In fact, there’s a strong argument to be made that LaPorta became even more valuable to the team in year two.
🔥 Let’s Talk Numbers (and What They Don’t Tell You)
Through his first 33 NFL games (30 starts), LaPorta has put up 146 receptions on 203 targets, totaling 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns. Those are elite numbers for any tight end, especially one just two years into his pro career.
Sure, in 2024, his stat sheet read a little lighter: 60 catches for 726 yards. That’s about 26 fewer receptions and 163 fewer yards than his record-setting rookie season. But let’s put that in context—those numbers still placed him top-6 among all NFL tight ends in receiving yards and top-11 in receptions. For a second-year tight end? That’s impressive.
Oh, and if you forgot: LaPorta set the all-time rookie tight end record for receptions with 86 in 2023. That was before Brock Bowers came into the mix and changed the narrative a bit. So yeah, LaPorta had a historically strong debut season. A slight dip in year two? Honestly, that was bound to happen.
🎯 Too Many Playmakers? Not a Bad Problem
Here’s something to chew on: the Lions are stacked on offense.
Between Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams, Detroit’s offense is a fantasy football dream. But when you’ve got that many mouths to feed, someone’s targets are going to take a hit—and this time, it was LaPorta’s.
And you know what? That’s not a knock on his game. It’s a byproduct of being in a damn good offense. If anything, LaPorta’s ability to stay productive despite fewer opportunities shows how efficient he really is.
💥 Battling Through Injuries Like a Pro
LaPorta’s 2024 campaign wasn’t smooth sailing, either. He dealt with three different injuries throughout the season: a hamstring issue in the preseason, followed by shoulder and ankle injuries during the regular season. Despite all that, he still showed up when it mattered.
One key moment came in Week 10 against the Texans. Before getting banged up in that game, LaPorta had already stacked up 3 receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. That score came off a beautifully executed play-action pass. Jared Goff sold the fake to Jahmyr Gibbs so well that the Texans defense bit hard, leaving LaPorta wide open in the end zone on a corner route. Easy six.
And that wasn’t the only highlight.
📽️ Let’s Break Down the Tape: LaPorta in the Slot, Doing Work
Fast forward to Week 14 against the Packers. Detroit came out in a condensed trips formation using 13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TEs), with LaPorta lined up at the bottom of the screen.
On the snap, tight end Shane Zylstra ran up the seam, while LaPorta came underneath on a dig route, creating the classic Dagger Concept. Despite being swarmed by defenders, Goff zipped the ball right into LaPorta’s hands. Tough grab, especially for a guy who’d been playing through pain.
Earlier in the season, LaPorta might not have snagged that ball. But as the weeks went on, his resilience, toughness, and chemistry with Goff became increasingly obvious.
🧠 Smart Usage by the Lions Coaching Staff
Let’s talk snap counts. Prior to Week 11, LaPorta only played more than 90% of the offensive snaps once (Week 7 vs. Minnesota). But after sitting out Week 11, he came back stronger and more trusted, playing over 90% of snaps in seven straight games.
In that stretch? He racked up 35 catches on 51 targets for 360 yards and four touchdowns. That’s serious production and speaks volumes about the Lions' trust in him as a go-to guy.
💪 Blocking? Yep, He’s Got That Too
LaPorta’s receiving skills get all the attention, but let’s not sleep on his blocking. He laid down several crucial blocks that helped spring Jahmyr Gibbs for big gains. Whether it was setting the edge or sealing a linebacker, LaPorta quietly did the dirty work.
That kind of versatility is what makes him invaluable in Ben Johnson’s offense. He’s not just a flashy stat-chaser—he’s a complete football player.
🧊 No Panic Necessary—LaPorta Is Just Getting Started
Fans might get caught up in the dip from 86 receptions to 60. But zoom out, and the big picture looks just fine—actually, better than fine. LaPorta isn’t falling off; he’s growing into a more well-rounded, durable, and strategic piece of a very dangerous Lions offense.
He’s got chemistry with his quarterback. He can play through pain. He can block, catch, and find holes in coverage. And he’s playing in an offense that’s not just playoff-bound—but possibly Super Bowl-caliber in the next year or two.
🚀 What to Expect in Year Three?
If LaPorta stays healthy (and that’s a big if, considering his 2024 bumps and bruises), there’s no reason he can’t push past 800 or even 900 receiving yards next year. The Lions know what they’ve got in him. Opposing defenses? They’re still figuring it out.
Expect more creative usage in the red zone, more intermediate targets, and even some big YAC (yards after catch) plays. If he starts lining up in the slot more often, watch out. We could be looking at one of the top three tight ends in the league very soon.
✅ Final Thoughts: Why LaPorta’s “Down Year” is Actually a Step Up
So here’s the bottom line:
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The “dip” in production? Totally understandable.
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Injuries? Handled like a pro.
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Role in offense? Still massive.
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Long-term outlook? Sky-high.
Don’t let the stat sheet fool you—Sam LaPorta is the real deal, and the best might still be ahead of him.
Detroit, count your blessings. You’ve got a tight end that can do it all—and he's just getting warmed up.
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