Through four games, Jake Bates has been what the Detroit Lions hoped he'd be. A couple extra points on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks were a little close for comfort, but he's 5-for-5 on field goals and 11-for-12 on extra points.
The Lions haven't tested the limits of Bates' range, with a long field goal of 35 yards so far, but there are also haven't been a lot of opportunities to try. An opportunity nearly presented itself on Monday night.
After the Lions had a weird offensive series late in the first half where they didn't seem to know if they wanted to run the clock or score and wound up doing neither, the Seahawks moved the ball a bit and let kicker Jason Myers attempt a 62-yard field goal.
Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey caught the miss in the end zone, and returned it to the 22-yard line. The Seahawks were flagged for a facemask penalty, which the Lions declined and the half ended.
Dan Campbell explains decision to not let Jake Bates try record-long field goal
During his press conference on Tuesday, Campbell was asked about not letting Bates try that long field goal.
"Yeah, was trying to get him there, I was. We could’ve gotten three more yards. That’s probably a little much. If I thought we could’ve gotten to the minus-45, it might’ve been worth it just to see him swing at one. But yeah, I would’ve liked to see that too. I told Fipp today, I was like, ‘Man, it would’ve been nice just to get in – just to let him swing at one.’ But we couldn’t quite get there. Yeah, it was just too far. And I think even there, man, he’s – yeah, it was too far for a Hail Mary and even there, if it’s a little low, that thing gets blocked and that’s too much of a risk.”
The 15-yard facemask penalty would have put the Lions at their own 37-yard line; an 81-yard field goal attempt. Getting to the 45-yard line like Campbell suggested would have been a 73-yard attempt. Lions fans know all too well the NFL record is 66 yards, by Justin Tucker at Ford Field in 2021.
Bates made three 60-plus yard field goals for the Michigan Panthers this spring, and he made a 70-yarder during a Panthers' practice. So he's got the leg.
When we said @jakebates30 makes 70 yarders in practice… we meant it 😮💨🔥🙌 pic.twitter.com/XhVCfeMuGe
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) May 22, 2024
It will obviously have to be the right situation, and a viable spot on the field, with virtually no risk of a block, etc. if Bates is going to be given a shot a 60-plus, or 70-plus,-yard field goal. But Campbell seems to want to give him that shot if possible, so it don't be shocked it happens if/when the situation aligns.