Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa is determined to turn the page after a frustrating finish in Sunday’s 29-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, shifting his focus toward a strong close to his first NFL season.
TeSlaa took time to process the emotions from the defeat, reviewed the film — including two pivotal late-game moments — and quickly moved on to preparing for Detroit’s upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the loss, the outing marked his most productive performance as a professional.
The third-round pick set season highs with four receptions on seven targets for 52 yards, accounting for more than 30% of his total production this year. He also added another highlight-reel touchdown, a 20-yard grab between two defenders just before halftime, bringing his season total to 12 catches with multiple scoring highlights.
TeSlaa noted that he briefly lost the ball in the Ford Field lights on the touchdown play but still made the adjustment. He also entered the game expecting an expanded role alongside Kalif Raymond, with defenses focused on slowing down Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams following their big performances the previous week.
With increased snaps and targets down the stretch, TeSlaa views the late-season opportunities as crucial to his development.
“Getting on the field is one thing, but making plays is another,” TeSlaa said. “It’s a chance to grow into this offense. Obviously, the result didn’t go our way, but it was good to be more involved.”
While some fans anticipated a larger role earlier in the season, TeSlaa said his transition has required patience as he adapts to a more complex playbook and a broader receiving role than he handled in college. From his perspective, the season has unfolded positively.
“I didn’t really know what my role would be coming out of camp,” TeSlaa said. “If you told me before the season what my opportunities and stat line would look like, I would have been very grateful.”
TeSlaa acknowledged growth in several areas, particularly reading defenses and winning one-on-one matchups on the outside. He hopes to continue building on that progress over the final two weeks — and potentially longer, should Detroit find its way into the postseason.
The short turnaround before facing Minnesota has helped soften the sting of Sunday’s ending. TeSlaa was flagged for offensive pass interference on a pick play that negated what would have been St. Brown’s go-ahead touchdown. Moments later, he was unable to secure a difficult high pass in the back of the end zone that could have sealed the win.
While the catch was challenging, TeSlaa admitted he holds himself to a high standard.
“If it hits my hands, I expect to catch it,” he said.
Regarding the penalty, TeSlaa kept his comments measured, careful not to criticize officiating.
“I ran my route exactly how I was coached,” TeSlaa said. “I tried to avoid contact as much as possible. From my perspective, there was nothing I could have done differently. Calls like that are part of the game. You can’t change them — you just move forward.”
TeSlaa received public support from quarterback Jared Goff and ESPN analyst Rex Ryan, though the rookie downplayed the attention.
“They’re not defending me,” TeSlaa said. “They’re defending the game.”
Looking ahead, TeSlaa hasn’t finalized his offseason plans but already knows where he wants to improve.
“Becoming a little more twitchy,” he said. “My release, getting in and out of breaks — that’s the biggest thing for me.”
