Reflecting on the biggest x factor for the Lions
By: Jake Rajala
The Detroit Lions missed the playoffs last season. This came after they were an NFC powerhouse in 2024. Clearly, they missed former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. With that said, they certainly need more players to rise up and make a name for themselves in 2026. Hence, I’m going to point out an x-factor for the Lions.
This would be none other than Isaac TeSlaa. No, I’m not talking about the car company, Tesla.
Tesla wasn’t a figure that got a lot of targets. He only had 27 targets. Ouch. Nonetheless, he found the end-zone. He had six touchdowns. It reminds me of Darren Waller, who had 24 targets, but still had six touchdowns.
TeSlaa was a third round pick in 2025. So, they have high expectations for the former Hillsdale College.
He didn’t have enough stats to garner a PFF grade. If he can improve just a tad next season, he should have a grade.
There is plenty of food on the table for TeSlaa. Amon Ra St. Brown had 11 touchdowns last season! Jameson Williams had seven touchdowns a season ago.
Jared Goff was second in passing touchdowns last season. He was right behind Matthew Stafford. So, there is plenty of touchdowns to go around. It’s worth noting that TE Sam LaPorta only played in nine games last season, and he is usually a TD machine, as he notched several touchdowns in 2024 and 10 in 2023.
There is plenty of underrated pieces on the Lions squad. On offense, they also have Isiah Pacheco, who is their RB2. He comes over from the Kansas City Chiefs.
On defense, they have Devin White, who will step in on occasion at ILB. He recorded 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble last season.
The Lions need to hit the ground running and find unique roles for everyone. After all, everyone in the NFC North had a winning record last season. As a fan of Dan Campbell and his intensity, I hope the Lions can return to the playoffs.
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