After having an up and down training camp, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates is in need of a strong showing in the preseason. So far, he's off to a good start.
Bates got his first attempt of the preseason in the first quarter after the Lions' defense notched an interception off a great play by safety Brandon Joseph. After the offense failed to move the sticks, the Lions called on Bates to kick a 53-yard field goal.
And, like we saw him do during his impressive stint in the UFL, Bates absolutely drilled it, with plenty of distance to spare. Check out the kick below.
Jake Bates is 💰 from 53❗️#DETvsNYG | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/va1B5v1oH1
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 8, 2024
On top of having to focus on making the kick, Bates also had to sidestep a Giants defender in order to avoid getting his knees taken out. Not cool.
Bates is the only kicker on the Lions' roster currently after his competitor for the starting job, veteran Michael Badgley, suffered a season-ending torn hamstring.
We've been waiting for the Lions to bring in more competition as Bates has struggled at camp, but perhaps a strong showing in preseason Week 1 will deter Detroit from doing that. We'll see how things go the rest of the way on Thursday night.
