The Detroit Lions, coming off a bye week, hosted the Minnesota Vikings for a divisional matchup but were not able to come away with a victory. Detroit’s offense did not look like their usual selves, but one player made an impact early on in this game.

Game ball: Sam LaPorta

Stats: 6 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD

On Detroit’s opening drive on offense, Sam LaPorta was the offense. The third-year tight end took his first reception of the game for a 15-yard catch-and-run. On the very next play, he notched 11 more yards receiving. After a short run from Gibbs and two incomplete passes, the Lions soon found themselves at a fourth-and-4 situation from Minnesota’s 40-yard line.

LaPorta, who was lined up in the slot, ran a vertical route and was hit by Goff 20 yards downfield. The former Iowa Hawk

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