Detroit Lions Jake Bates praised by NFL coaches, players

The Detroit Lions took a chance on a UFL standout to create competition for current player Michael Badgley before the start of training camp.

However, an injury to Badgley left Jake Bates as the only option at the position on the roster. It was a mixed training camp for Bates, but the Lions have maintained their confidence in the young kicker heading into the season opener.

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp reaffirmed his confidence in Bates on Thursday and stressed that he wants to remain patient in the event of any potential issues.

“I have a good feeling about him. I’m really excited about him,” Fipp said. “He’s one of the most talented players I’ve seen in that position. I think all the guys from the other teams in pre-season see him warming up and think, ‘Oh my god. This guy is unbelievable.’ He’s got a lot of potential, and when you’re going to invest in a player and take a chance, you definitely want to do it with a player who can turn out to be a really good player for you. I think we’ve got to be patient with him. There’s a lot of history in that position that a lot of those guys end up making it to their second or third team.”

The Lions special teams coordinator noted that patience is a luxury not often afforded to kickers not named Justin Tucker or Jake Elliott. As a young kicker with little experience in the game, he will likely face ups and downs.

Bates went 6-for-7 on field goal attempts in the Lions’ three preseason games, including two from 50-plus yards. He also made the game-winning kick as time expired in the team’s victory over the Chiefs.

Fipp described the kicker as “self-aware” and embraced the need to grow as a player. The Lions feel the potential he possesses is too good to pass up and are willing to stick with him, even when the going gets tough.

Head coach Dan Campbell has also explained his affinity for the young kicker’s mindset, describing him as calm under pressure. This was on display during the comeback win over Kansas City, when he smashed the winning goal through the uprights.

However, he also missed an extra point and a chip shot field goal over the course of the three preseason shows. While the Lions remain confident in his abilities, he will ultimately have to do his part when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities.

Last season, the Lions started the year with Riley Patterson as kicker. Badgley was on the practice squad, but ended the year as kicker after winning a game that lasted several weeks during practice.

There is currently no kicker on the practice squad, but Bates could face competition at some point during the season and will need to perform at a high level.

“Now, having said that, I will also say he’s got to do his part and make enough shots and do a good enough job to stick around,” Fipp explained. “I definitely feel good about him. In preseason, we had two snappers that we worked on. I think it’s going to help him settle in with one guy there and help those guys get into a rhythm. I think that’s a big part of the position. So I think that’s going to help him. Obviously, we’re playing 14 games indoors this year, that’s going to help. So either way, I’m really excited about him.”