Buffalo struggles to cover Sam LaPorta on Thursday night

Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta caught six passes for 52 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. LaPorta was targeted seven times. SOURCE: USA TODAY Why It Matters: Facing a Bills defense that put the clamps on opposing tight ends a year ago, LaPorta put together a solid effort, whic

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Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta caught six passes for 52 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. LaPorta was targeted seven times.

SOURCE: USA TODAY

Why It Matters: Facing a Bills defense that put the clamps on opposing tight ends a year ago, LaPorta put together a solid effort, which included his first touchdown since Nov. 2, 2025. There was a lot of intrigue coming into 2026 to see how new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who oversaw Trey McBride's rise to stardom in Arizona, would utilize LaPorta. Through two games, the fourth-year tight end has 11 receptions, 100 yards, and a TD. While that isn't elite production, it's enough to make LaPorta a midrange TE1 that still has room to grow in this scheme.

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appeared on USA TODAY: Buffalo struggles to cover Sam LaPorta on Thursday night