Sam LaPorta makes incredible one-handed TD catch in Lions' playoff action
Sam LaPorta just made a highlight reel catch on Saturday night against the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Jared Goff was scrambling to avoid a sack, and as the quarterback was falling, he fired the ball to the back of the end zone. LaPorta dove and reached out with his left hand to pull the ball in, successfully securing the catch. The score put the Lions up 14-10 after the successful extra point.
LAPORTA OMG.
📺: #WASvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/oHR4IPBHYx— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025
It was an incredible catch by the Iowa product, not only snagging the ball but ensuring the catch survived the ground. The 2-yard score was LaPorta’s 2nd career playoff TD. LaPorta’s first playoff score came last season in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Rams.
In just his 2nd season, LaPorta has already evolved into one of the game’s best TEs. During the regular season, LaPorta caught 60 passes for 726 yards and 7 TDs.
As a rookie in 2023, LaPorta caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 TDs. Due to his exceptional rookie year, LaPorta earned Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro honors.
Unfortunately, the Lions’ lead wouldn’t last long.
On the next drive, Jayden Daniels found Terry McLaurin down the field for a 58-yard score to put the Commanders back on top 17-14. Then, on the Lions’ next drive, Goff threw a pick-6 to Quan Martin which made it a 24-14 Commanders lead.
The Lions responded with a score of their own to make it a 24-21 game with 4 minutes to play in the first half.