Lions rookie sensation Isaac TeSlaa shines with spectacular one-handed grabs in dominant triumph over Bears
The Detroit Lions delivered a stunning offensive display in their recent matchup against the Chicago Bears, securing a resounding 52-24 victory that brought their season record to 1-1. The game, which showcased the Lions’ offensive prowess under the guidance of former coordinator Ben Johnson, featured numerous standout performances, including the exceptional play of rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.
TeSlaa’s Remarkable One-Handed Catches
TeSlaa, who continues to make headlines in his early NFL career, impressed fans and analysts alike with his remarkable one-handed grabs. This marked yet another week where the rookie’s skills garnered national attention. “It’s just something that I’ve been repping, ever since I’ve wanted to be a receiver,” TeSlaa shared. “Even when I was a quarterback, I would still run some receiver drills with my dad. We’d do one-handed catches in every direction. Just to be able to put that practice to fruition in a game like this, back-to-back games, is super cool. None of that would’ve mattered if we didn’t get the win. So super happy to get a big win.”
His performance on Sunday solidified his status as a rising star, finishing with the third-highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) offensive grade among Lions players. TeSlaa’s snap count increased significantly from three in his debut to 17 in this outing, reflecting the coaching staff’s growing trust in his abilities. “I wouldn’t call it a relief, that’s kind of our standard,” TeSlaa noted regarding the team’s performance. “Last week was not something we wanted to put on tape, and the way we played today, we know we can bring that every week.”
Amon-Ra St. Brown Leads the Charge
While TeSlaa dazzled with his catches, it was Amon-Ra St. Brown who stole the spotlight, recording three receiving touchdowns and earning the highest PFF grade among offensive players at 91.6. His ability to find the end zone was crucial, as he consistently outmaneuvered the Bears’ secondary.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, safety Brian Branch continued to be a force, contributing one of the team’s four sacks and finishing with an impressive defensive grade of 91.4. His performance, along with strong outings from teammates like Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad, showcased a well-rounded effort that stifled the Bears’ offensive attempts.
PFF Player Grades Breakdown
The Lions’ PFF player grades highlighted both top performers and areas that need improvement. Here’s a look at the highest and lowest graded players on both sides of the ball:
Highest PFF-Graded Offensive Players
Amon-Ra St. Brown — 91.6
Jared Goff — 85.1
Isaac TeSlaa — 76.4
Jameson Williams — 74.8
Brock Wright — 74.6
Lowest PFF-Graded Offensive Players
Kalif Raymond — 64.1
Sam LaPorta — 62.0
Christian Mahogany — 61.7
Graham Glasgow — 56.7
Tate Ratledge — 56.2
Highest PFF-Graded Defensive Players
Brian Branch — 91.4
Aidan Hutchinson — 80.8
Al-Quadin Muhammad — 76.4
Marcus Davenport — 70.9
DJ Reader — 68.9
Lowest PFF-Graded Defensive Players
Mekhi Wingo — 54.7
Alex Anzalone — 54.7
Kerby Joseph — 48.9
Terrion Arnold — 48.6
Roy Lopez — 45.8
As the Lions move forward in the season, the combination of rookie talents like TeSlaa and established stars such as St. Brown and Branch creates an exciting foundation. With their sights set on improvement, the Lions are poised to build on this momentum as they navigate the challenges ahead in the NFC North.
