The Detroit Lions didn't look as explosive as in recent years in Week 1. It might take some time to get used to life without Ben Johnson, and new offensive coordinator John Morton is under heavy fire right now.
Perhaps one of the main adjustments he will have to make to bounce back will come right down to personnel. They clearly have a promising weapon in Isaac TeSlaa, and the rookie wide receiver needs to be on the field more often.
As Justin Rogers pointed out, TeSlaa only played three total snaps, which was just four percent of the total. Even so, he managed to make an impact and get an early candidate for catch of the year.
Isaac TeSlaa's Epic Catch Shows He's a True Playmaker
With under a minute left and the Packers holding onto a 27-6 lead, Jared Goff found TeSlaa in the end zone for 13 yards. He elevated and came down with a one-handed catch that seemed so impossible that the referees had to review it for multiple minutes to make sure it was an actual catch.
Isaac Teslaa’s first NFL touchdown: pic.twitter.com/BManUMSNlD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2025
That would be his only target and reception of the afternoon, and it was much more than most of his fellow wide receivers did. He already looked like a stud in the preseason, logging 10 receptions on 13 targets for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
That's why having him take three snaps while 31-year-old Kalif Raymond plays 66% of the offensive snaps doesn't make any sense. Raymond, who's on a two-year deal and shouldn't be a part of the team's plans for the future, finished the game with two catches for 16 yards. TeSlaa and the Lions could certainly benefit from getting some of the 44 snaps they gave Raymond in the season opener.
TeSlaa is the type of speedy playmaker who could help take this offense to the next level. With Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta by his side, Jared Goff could have the most elite set of weapons in the league.
It's easy to understand why they would want to ease him into action as a rookie. But, on top of the many adjustments Morton will have to make to the game plan for Week 2, giving him more of a run should most definitely be near the top of that list.