The Detroit Lions pulled out a last-minute win against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday thanks to the efforts of their offense. But it would not have happened without Jake Bates.
Detroit's first-year kicker was thrust into an extreme pressure position for the first time, called on to drill a 44-yard field goal trailing by one in the fourth quarter. It was a make-or-break moment for Bates, and he calmly delivered to give the Lions a 31-29 victory.
Afterward, Bates spoke with Dannie Rogers of Lions.com and said the work done behind the scenes allowed him to be calm under pressure.
"I think it's just doing your job. The offense did a really good job of getting us in field goal range and then it's just trusting your training. I trust Hogan (Hatten) and Jack (Fox) so much that you know the snap and hold is going to be good. The Lord has blessed me with incredible people. My family (and) friends have helped me get here, and it's not a single effort. There's so many people behind the scenes. I'm just so thankful to be a Lion and be a part of this team. The Lord has been really good to me and I'm super happy to be where my feet are."
The Lions have welcomed Bates since he signed in the offseason, and the trust built up with teammates has been integral to his comfort early on.
With Bates confident in his teammates and abilities, there is no question he can do damage as the season wears on. The next time the Lions need a clutch extra point or big field goal, there will be no reason for anyone to wonder if he is up to the challenge.
As the Lions pursue another NFC North title and a potential top seed in the NFC postseason, having such a weapon at kicker is a major development.
Dan Campbell proud of Jake Bates' ability to handle pressure
During Dan Campbell's tenure, the Lions have had a revolving door at kicker. This year, Bates has established himself as the player of the present and future at the position. As such, the coach had confidence in Bates before Sunday's kick.
"We felt good about it. We've had five NFL games with him", Campbell said. "When you see him every day in practice and you give him the crowd noise and you move the spot and I'm yelling at him and you apply pressure and watch him, he just continues to make these kicks. You feel pretty good when he gets thrust into it. It's not the same, but yet it is. We just felt like his confidence has grown and he would go out there (like) it's just the next kick. He did that, so (I'm) really proud of him."
For kickers, confidence is worth its weight in gold. After his first signature moment as the Lions' kicker, Bates' confidence has never been higher.