Through some ups and downs in training camp, the Detroit Lions stuck with Jake Bates. Before kicking for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL last spring, he had not attempted a field goal since high school. So he simply needed reps, and he was allowed to get them without fear of losing his job.
Bates has rewarded that faith, making all 14 of his field goal attempts over the first nine games. His shining moment thus far came in Week 10 against the Houston Texans, as he made to 50-plus yard field goals in the fourth quarter as the Lions completed their comeback.
This week, special teams coach Dave Fipp told reporters something he has learned about Bates after trying to talk to him during a preseason game.
"I go up to him to say something and man, you could tell he wanted no part of nothing in that moment," Fipp said. "He was so locked in and focused. The truth is, for me, on game-day I stay away from him. I watch him in warmups if there’s any pointers to give at that time, just subtle things that I think might help, and then I say it. If not, I let him go."
Dan Campbell makes sure to put pressure on Jake Bates during practice
Head coach Dan Campbell offered a similar sentiment about Bates.
"He gets away from everybody and he can kind of get in his own head, in a good way, and shut everything else out," Campbell said, according to Will Burchfield of 97.1 The Ticket. "I do feel like there’s something to him when you put him in a competitive setting, he’s pretty good about that."
In terms of creating a "competitive setting" during practice, Bates talked about things Campbell does.
"There’s been a couple things he’s done," Bates said. "He’ll get super close and just stare at me. He’s a big dude, obviously, he's got his hands on his knees, staring at me. I’ve noticed that. One time he yelled at me to hurry up, but I just keep telling myself to go through my normal routine. I was like, let’s make the kick and then we can worry about that later. That was early, but I remember that one. And then maybe there’s more -- I just stay to myself."
A 6-foot-5, 250-pound? man standing close to Bates as he attempts a kick with his hands on his knees is quite a mental picture, not to mention fuel for internet memes. But Campbell has attempted to break his kicker in practice, presumably to no avail with the game day results to back it up.