The Detroit Lions have been in control of the NFC North for nearly the entire 2023 season. But after losses in two of their last three games, that control was fading. It was possible that the Lions would be only one game up on the Minnesota Vikings after Saturday’s games.
That did not happen. Minnesota led the Cincinnati Bengals 17-3 going into the fourth quarter but ultimately lost 27-24 in overtime. Detroit’s game against the Denver Broncos was not nearly as dramatic. After punting on their first three possessions, the Lions began to click offensively. They scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to go up 21-0 at halftime. And while the Broncos showed some life on offense in the second half, Detroit cruised to a 42-17 victory.
Quarterback Jared Goff had a huge day. He was 24-for-34, passing for 278 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Three of those touchdowns went to rookie tight end Sam LaPorta.
Lions rookie TE Sam LaPorta shows off the athleticism and power! 🏈💪🔥pic.twitter.com/pMSElwBY1y
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 17, 2023
Jared Goff and Sam LaPorta connect for another touchdown!
28-7 Lions. pic.twitter.com/Yo2VhfcdNv
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 17, 2023
Jared Goff's fifth touchdown pass of the game.
Sam LaPorta's third touchdown catch of the game.
Been all Lions in this one. pic.twitter.com/sjRKDoBaZb
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 17, 2023
LaPorta finished the day with five receptions for 56 yards with the three touchdowns. On the season, he now has 71 receptions for 758 yards with nine touchdowns.
His performance, both against the Broncos and throughout the season, was a major talking point on Saturday night.
#Lions TE Sam LaPorta is the first TE since Jeremy Shockey in 2002 to have 70+ catches in his rookie season.
Stud. pic.twitter.com/7tFMlnRYIN
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 17, 2023
Sam LaPorta fantasy managers tonight: pic.twitter.com/71aL9shAs7
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) December 17, 2023
POV: you’re getting Sam LaPorta’d in the fantasy playoffs pic.twitter.com/wsDSUIZI75
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) December 17, 2023
Sam LaPorta today:
5 REC
56 YDS
3 TD (!!)First rookie TE with 3 TD in a game since 2013. pic.twitter.com/bStpIB6b9y
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 17, 2023
Sam LaPorta just had himself a GAME against the Denver Broncos.
LaPorta now has the most receiving TD’s by a rookie in Lions HISTORY.
• 5 receptions (2nd on team)
• 56 receiving yards (2nd on team)
• 3 receiving TD’s (1st on team)LaPorta now has more receiving TD’s (9)… pic.twitter.com/ylQ1LV5hYu
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) December 17, 2023
LaPorta has three more games to make what has already been one of the best statistical seasons a rookie tight end has ever had even better.
