Sam LaPorta Is Jared Goff’s ‘Security Blanket’
In his first season out of Iowa, the pass-catcher has been a huge bright spot for the Lions’ offense. He’s been a key part of the team’s early success, as he currently ranks second on the team in receptions.
So good is his chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff already, in fact, that he has set the new franchise record for receptions by a rookie tight end just eight games into the 2023 campaign.
LaPorta outlined what made his chemistry so good with Goff in a recent interview, discussing the importance of details within Detroit’s offense.
“He’s very decisive in what he wants with route running, not to mention that Ben Johnson is very particular on yardage, routes, land marks,” LaPorta said on “The Green Light” podcast. “That makes it easy for me. It was a lot to memorize at first, for sure, but I know I have to be snapping up this route at six yards because, the timing of the play, if I’m not at six yards, it screws up the entire timing and he’s gonna have to progress to his next option.”
The rookie has seemingly mastered those details, creating an easy integration to the offense. His confidence is shining through, as a mastery of the small aspects in Detroit’s offense has created plenty of opportunities.
“Once I memorized a lot of those details, I figured out what Jared needed from me and I like to think of myself as that security blanket for him,” LaPorta explained. “We have those explosive route runners in (Amon-Ra St. Brown), Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond. But I feel like I’m always gonna be on my spot with steady hands, and he can trust me.”
Last season, rookies Aidan Hutchinson and Malcolm Rodriguez stole the show with performances in training camp. Their showcases were shown to a national audience as the team was featured on ‘Hard Knocks.’
Though the Lions didn’t have the national attention in that form this season, there was intrigues surrounding the performances by Detroit’s newest crop of rookies.
LaPorta spoke on his performance during his interview with Long, discussing his decision on what song to sing as well as playfully jabbing college teammate and fellow rookie Jack Campbell’s showing.
“The rookie skits that go on across the NFL, singing was definitely the forefront of the Detroit Lions rookies. Jahmyr Gibbs got up there and he did his little bit, then Jack Campbell sang ‘Country Boy Can Survive’ by Hank Williams Jr,” LaPorta said. “He did okay, he got into it, but if you know anything about Jack Campbell it was rough all around for him. And then I followed those two guys up and I sang ‘All Summer Long’ by Kid Rock, a Michigan guy.
“I told myself I wasn’t gonna half-ass it, so I went up there and I shredded it right in front of the room,” LaPorta continued. “Standing ovation from everyone in the room. I was nervous for it, but I thought I did pretty well.”