The Detroit Lions struggled for the last three seasons to find a kicker, and it cost them a chance at winning several close games. Finally, it seems they have a legitimate solution to that problem.
Though the Lions were inconsistent all over the field in their 26-23 win over the Houston Texans, one part of the game that didn't lack consistency was kicker. Jake Bates was perfect again, making two extra points and drilling a pair of 50-plus field goals to cap an impressive road comeback.
Bates has another clutch kick to his credit this season, beating the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7. While that boot set the stage, it was nothing compared to what happened in Houston. Bates was called upon to tie the game with a 58-yard field goal. He snuck the ball inside the right upright. A 52 -yarder to win the game nearly caught the left upright.
None of Detroit's kickers the last three seasons would have been able to stand up to such intense pressure, and it may have forced Dan Campbell to be ultra-aggressive in those situations. No longer does Campbell have to gamble during those moments. He can simply rely on his kicker.
Sometimes, three points is enough to win, especially in an ugly game. In the postseason, there are going to be contests like this. The fact that the Lions have a confident kicker in Bates that has shown a strong leg is a major development. With a solid defense and an offense which has clicked most of the season, having a weapon at kicker can tip the scales.
Finally, the Lions have a kicker they can trust with the game on the line no matter the distance. Bates is battle tested dating back to his time in the UFL, and now that he has gotten his feet wet in the NFL he has gained enough confidence to impress his head coach.
Does Campbell feel better about his kicking game now than at any other point during his tenure? It certainly sounds like that is the case.
"Probably. I had a lot of confidence in (Michael) Badgley, I really did. But I think probably at this point, that's a fair assessment. We're getting some pretty longer kicks here. I don't particularly like to do that all the time, but sometimes you need it at the end of the game like that. He's answered the bell. He's answering the bell."
The fact is, Badgley didn't have the consistency or leg strength to make long kicks on the biggest stage. Campbell didn't trust him enough to run him out during similarly big moments in last year's NFC Championship Game.
Bates has rewarded Campbell's confidence a couple times this season. To this end, he could be the true x-factor for the Lions getting over the championship hump.
