Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa ready to move past controversial penalty call; eyes strong finish to rookie year

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Allen Park — Isaac TeSlaa just wants to move forward.

The Detroit Lions rookie receiver has processed the emotions from Sunday’s difficult loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s reviewed the tape of his performance, including the two critical plays he was involved in at the end of the game.

Now, it’s all about Detroit’s next opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, and closing out his debut campaign on a high note after what was also the most productive performance of his first season.

TeSlaa caught four of seven targets for 52 yards in the 29-24 loss, all season highs. He also came down with another highlight-reel touchdown, adding to an impressive catalog, particularly since he’s caught just 12 throws on the year.

TeSlaa’s 20-yard scoring grab in the closing stages of the first half came between two defenders, and the receiver also noted that he lost the throw in Ford Field’s lights.

The 52 yards represented more than 30% of his season’s production. He had a good idea that he and teammate Kalif Raymond could have bigger roles coming into the game, with the team expecting starters Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams to draw extra attention after their big outings against the Rams a week earlier.

TeSlaa recognizes these late-season games, with increased snaps and now increased targets, are important to his development.

“Yeah, it’s big for me,” TeSlaa said. “Obviously, it’s one thing to be out there on the field, but it’s another one to be out there making plays. It’s just a good opportunity for me to get the ball in my hands and find my way into this offense a little bit. Obviously, we would have liked a better result at the end of the day, so none of that really matters unless we end up on top. But yeah, it was nice to get a little more involved.”

Fans had hoped to see more of the third-round pick this season, but the acclimation has come slowly as he’s adjusted to a significantly larger playbook and a more varied receiving role than he ever played in college. While outsiders anticipated more playing time, he’s had the opposite reaction to how the year has gone.

“Coming out of camp, I didn’t really know what my role was going to be,” TeSlaa said. “I think it’s just been consistency for me, and that’s allowed me to get on the field a little bit more, make plays when they come my way. I’m happy with how my rookie season has gone, in terms of playing time, opportunities and everything like that.

“I feel like if you told me before the season, the amount of plays that I would have had and my stat line and everything, I think I would have been very grateful,” TeSlaa said.

TeSlaa acknowledged growing in many areas, particularly his ability to read defenses and win man-to-man, especially when working on the outside. He’ll look to build on that development during the next two weeks, and potentially more, if the Lions miraculously sneak into the playoffs.

Playing Minnesota on a short week has been a hidden blessing, given the way the Pittsburgh game finished. TeSlaa was flagged for offensive pass interference on a pick play that nullified St. Brown’s go-ahead touchdown. Then, a few snaps later, the rookie couldn’t hang on to a high throw in the back of the end zone that could have given Detroit the win.

The catch would have been difficult, but TeSlaa has set a high bar with a series of circus grabs this year. And, as you could anticipate, he expects himself to come down with anything that hits him in the hands.

As for the penalty, TeSlaa didn’t want to say much, concerned with avoiding a fine for anything perceived as criticising the officiating.

“I ran flat, and I felt like the corner attached to my hip kind of pushed me down a little bit,” TeSlaa said. “That kind of led to me obviously colliding with the guy who was running full speed in my direction. There’s just no way I could avoid any contact with either of those guys.

“…I did exactly what I was asked to do,” TeSlaa said. “I did it the right way. There’s nothing I could have done differently. I ran my route, avoided the defender as much as I could. As far as I could tell, it seemed like he ran into me more than I did into him. It’s part of the game. Calls like that are just part of the game. Can’t go back and change it. Just have got to move forward.”

Quarterback Jared Goff and ESPN commentator Rex Ryan came to TeSlaa’s defense after the play. The rookie was asked what that support meant.

“It’s not even like they’re coming to my defense,” TeSlaa said. “They’re just coming to the defense of the game.”

Looking beyond the team’s closing stretch, TeSlaa has yet to formulate an offseason plan. However, he does have a good idea where he’s most eager to improve.

“I think just becoming a little more twitchy,” TeSlaa said. “I think that’s the biggest thing for me. Getting off. I think my release, top of route, everything like that, I think that’s the biggest thing for me.”