Michigan Panthers kicker and UFL star Jake Bates, who has reportedly drawn interest from multiple NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions, was back in action on Saturday, with his team taking on the Memphis Showboats in Week 8.
Bates entered the day having made 15 of his 17 field goals on the season, including a whopping six from 50-plus, with three of those coming from 60-plus yards. He was also riding a streak of nine-straight makes since missing two in Week 5.
Unfortunately, that streak ended in the second half of the Week 8 contest against the Showboats, when Bates missed a 51-yard field goal in the second half. It was his first miss at Ford Field this season after making his first 10 at the Lions' home venue.
Jake Bates misses his first field goal at home.
— Between The Goalposts (@NoahBeauso) May 18, 2024
This 51-yard attempt is wide right.#UFL | @USFLPanthers | @USFLShowboats | #BetweenTheGoalposts pic.twitter.com/FP6GkaSwWv
In the words of the great Tony "Duke" Evers from "Rocky 4": "He's not a machine, he's a man!"
That was the only field goal Bates would attempt on the afternoon, leaving him 15-of-18 on the season. On the bright side for Bates and the Panthers, they topped the Showboats, 24-18.
There are now two games left in the UFL regular season. At 6-2, the Panthers have already punched their ticket to the postseason and are on a crash course to face the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Conference Championship game on Saturday, June 8.
Once the UFL season is over, Bates can begin talking to NFL teams. He's fully expected to get an opportunity somewhere.
