Notebook: LaPorta Reveals What Frustrated Dan Campbell
Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has taken the league by storm in his first NFL season.
The young pass-catcher was named a Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro after an illustrious first campaign. Among other accomplishments, he was broke the record for receptions by a rookie tight end and contributed 10 touchdowns.
However, even he isn't exempt from criticism from head coach Dan Campbell.
Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show Wednesday, LaPorta shared a recent story where a bad rep drew ire from his third-year coach.
“I’ll give you a good one from the other night. One of the defensive ends had a rep on me. It wasn’t my best stuff, it was okay," LaPorta said. "He shed the block and made the play. The first person I see, of course, is coach Campbell on the sideline. His face is cherry red and he’s yelling at me. ‘LaPorta, you’re better than that. You’re better than that.’ And I’m like, I need to be better than that or coach is gonna rip my butt off this field right now.”
Because Campbell played tight end in the NFL, there is a heightened awareness of the positional responsibilities. As a result, the rookie has no problem absorbing the feedback and continuing to improve.
“Take the coaching. He was 15 yards away from me," Campbell said. "I could’ve been on the other side of the field and I would’ve his picked his voice out yelling at me. But just take the coaching and know that I have a lot to improve on.”
Glenn on Sutton's struggles: 'Everybody has an opinion'
The Lions' secondary has taken a beating in recent weeks.
Since Week 16 in Minnesota, the defense has allowed an average of 379 passing yards per game. In each of the last three games, an opposing wideout has surpassed 180 receiving yards.
As a result, the viability of Detroit's defensive backfield has come into question. In particular, Cam Sutton has struggled in recent weeks against opposing top receivers.
According to Pro Football Focus, Sutton has allowed a total of 403 receiving yards on 22-of-26 passing over his last four games. Despite these struggles, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has maintained confidence in the defender.
"Listen, he's handled those like a pro. The one thing, and I didn't have to deal with the social media aspect in my day, I just aged myself," Glenn said. "But, listen, everybody has an opinion. Alright? Everybody does. A lot of them don't know what the hell they're talking about for the most part. But at the end of the day, as a man that's playing on that field, you have to understand who you are and what you have to do. You go out there and you bust your butt every day to do the job that you have to do."
While Sutton has had difficulties covering the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson and Puka Nacua, Glenn reassured that the veteran corner is handling his responsibilities well as he prepares for the Divisional Round.
"When you play defense, people think this is happening when it's really not. People think you've got help or you don't, no one really knows unless you're in those meetings with us," Glenn explained. "The thing that's he's doing a good job of, is, he's built himself into a cocoon and he's understanding exactly what we're asking him to do. And listen, we're gonna continue to challenge him to be the best Cam he can be on a weekly basis. Listen, we're happy with him."
Badgley's big kick
After scoring touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, the Lions offense slowed down and became stagnant for a stretch.
Their only points came on Michael Badgley's 54-yard field goal in the third quarter. The kick was the longest of Campbell's tenure as coach.
Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp explained that there was plenty that went into the decision, including consideration of down and distance and score.
However, there was also the confidence that the team has in Badgley as a result of his consistent performance in practice.
"I think there's a lot to it, and it's not just the kicker's ability or us having a desire to kick a long field goal or not having a desire to kick a long field goal," Fipp said. "It's really what's in the best interest of the football team and I don't think that will change. But making a big kick like that obviously helps your confidence and you can see that in him. With that being said, I feel like he's been striking the ball well for a long period of time and that's really why he's been playing that position for us and we talked about that earlier."
