TeSlaa Should Get His Shot, But Keep Those Expectations Reasonable
The Lions should utilize Isaac TeSlaa a lot more in 2026. But here’s the thing Lions fans need to understand: there are a ton of mouths to feed in this offense. Realistic expectations? Something like 38 catches for 450 yards and six touchdowns.
And yes, I know what you’re thinking. “We traded three third-round picks for 450 yards?” But that misses the point entirely. TeSlaa was never supposed to be the Lions’ top receiver. He’s supposed to be the guy who does exactly what they need him to do when they need it done.
Think Josh Reynolds during his time here. Red zone presence. Big catches on third down. The stuff that doesn’t always show up in fantasy football but wins actual football games.
No More Joint Practices, and That’s a Big Deal
The major change for injury prevention? The Lions are ditching joint practices this year. They’ve done at least two of those each of the last two years, and those are basically like playing two extra games annually.
These aren’t light walkthroughs. They’re hitting full strength multiple times a week. About as live as practice gets without keeping score.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Going too light isn’t the magic fix you might think it is. We talked to Dave Kempfert from the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee about this exact issue last season, and his take was eye-opening.
“There is something to putting in the contact and putting yourself in those situations to get yourself ready,” Kempfert said. “If you’re not used to all that bruising, sudden starts and stops, and cutting, taking on collisions, learning how to get up at full speed, it makes a difference in how you perform.”
The key is finding the balance. You can’t just assess everyone as a collective group. Each player needs to be monitored individually.
The Defensive Line Doesn’t Need a Major Overhaul
Do the Lions need to upgrade the interior defensive line? Not with some blockbuster trade or anything dramatic. They need one solid veteran presence to add to the rotation and help develop the younger guys.
That’s it. Nothing flashy. Just competent depth.
Christian Mahogany Can Handle Left Guard Just Fine
Here’s the thing about Mahogany: everyone remembers how his season ended, which wasn’t great. But before the injury, he was the eighth-highest graded run-blocking guard in the NFL.
Get that guy back healthy, and you’re in pretty good shape. Plus, the offensive line around him is significantly better now. The weakest link gets lifted by the guys around him.
Dan Campbell Is the Real Deal, Not Just Vibes
Is Campbell a Super Bowl coach or just all vibes? Come on. This team has been the laughingstock of the league for essentially my entire life. A giant chunk of the seasons I’ve covered them have been exercises in misery.
Now they’ve been Super Bowl contenders for the last few seasons. That doesn’t happen by accident, and it sure as hell doesn’t happen because of good vibes alone.
When you win, coaches can do no wrong. When you lose, maybe they’re not the right guy. But here’s what I know: there isn’t a coach who has worked with Campbell or a player who has played for him that would call him just a vibes coach.
The Lions need to stay healthy and keep improving where they need to improve. Do that, and they’ll be in excellent shape.
Think Campbell’s just coasting on personality, or is he actually building something sustainable in Allen Park? Drop your take below.
