The Detroit Lions got back on track in Week 10 with a dominant win over the Washington Commanders. Now, they have set their eyes on the Sunday Night Football clash against the Philadelphia Eagles as the race for the top of the NFC North tightens. While most Lions fans are glad that the offense got going against the Commanders, there is one problem that may be going under the radar in Detroit.
Kicking was not as big a problem in Week 10 as it has been in recent weeks, but Jake Bates still missed an extra point attempt in the 44-22 win. This was his first extra-point miss of the season, and, combined with his struggles in field goals, the Lions may have a problem on their hands.
Jake Bates Is in the Midst of a Disappointing Season for the Lions
After the loss to the Vikings in Week 9, special teams coach Dave Fipp criticized Bates for the trajectory of his kick that led to it getting blocked. It seemed like the second-year kicker made a mistake with his footwork, hit the turf while kicking, messing up the trajectory of the field goal. Minnesota was able to return the ball all the way to Detroit's 26-yard line, essentially ending the game with a few minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Fipp's criticism was a surprising one, as Bates had been so reliable since arriving in Detroit before the 2024 season. Last season, he was one of the most accurate kickers in the league, going 26-of-29 (89.7%) in field goal attempts and only missing three of his 67 extra point attempts.
This season, things have been a little different for the former UFL standout, as he's officially having one of the worst performances among Lions kickers in the last 25 years:
Player | Season | FG% |
|---|---|---|
Jason Hanson | 2001 | 70.0% |
Jake Bates | 2025 | 75.0% |
Matt Prater | 2020 | 75.0% |
Jason Hanson | 2009 | 75.0% |
David Akers | 2013 | 79.2% |
Jason Hanson | 2005 | 79.2% |
Jason Hanson | 2000 | 80.0% |
Matt Prater | 2014 | 80.8% |
Dave Rayner | 2010 | 81.3% |
The fact that none of David Akers, Matt Prater, Michael Badgley, or Riley Patterson have had a worse season than the one Bates is currently having is telling. He's currently in danger of making franchise history for all of the wrong reasons, and the last thing the Lions want is for an errant kick to derail their season at the worst possible time.
Bates has missed three of his five field goal attempts over 50 yards. For a kicker whose calling card is his powerful leg and long-distance accuracy, that is certainly disappointing. Yet, the Lions seem to have full confidence in the 26-year-old and believe that he will turn things around. Hopefully, head coach Dan Campbell & Co.'s faith ends up being worth it in the long run.
If Bates' struggles continue, however, more questions could arise about his future with the franchise, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.