After a thrilling 52-yard game-winning field goal in the Detroit Lions victory over the Houston Texans, rookie kicker Jake Bates had a moment to reflect on his clutch performance. The Detroit Lions media department caught up with Bates as he was heading to the locker room following the game, as they often do with the star of the game.
In typical fashion, the media team handed Bates an iPad to watch the replay of his big kick. As shown in the video below, Bates couldn’t help but smile as he relived the moment when he drilled the 52-yarder to seal the victory for the Lions.
Big kick, big win!@jakebates30 pic.twitter.com/0yx2JHZjZW
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 11, 2024
The excitement and joy were evident on his face, as Bates took in the massive moment that will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of his rookie season. What a way to start making a name for yourself in the NFL!
Dan Campbell Had a Priceless Reaction to Jake Bates’s Game-Winning FG
Campbell could only smirk at the Lions’ resilience.
The Detroit Lions are beginning to look an awful lot like the Kansas City Chiefs in so many ways. After last night’s thrilling 16-point second half comeback against the Houston Texans, we can add in that these two teams seem uniquely capable of overcoming what should be fatal flaws to eke out victory after victory. Somehow Dan Campbell’s team was able to survive five Jared Goff interceptions to pull out a 26-23 win on Sunday Night Football and move to 8-1 on the season.
There were plenty of heroes to go around. Goff for not quitting. Amon-Ra St. Brown for being his usual clutch self. Carlton Davis for picking off two third quarter passes. Heck, the entire defense that pitched a shutout in the second half.
And Jake Bates, of course.
The former Michigan Panther, playing now on the largest stage, remained perfect on the year by blasting a 58-yarder to tie the game with five minutes to play, and a 52-yarder as time expired to provide the margin of victory.
Campbell’s reaction to the steely nerves and true leg was understated, yet still enjoyable.
The smirk and nod from Dan Campbell as Jake Bates hit the game-winner: A+ stuff
Video: @NFL
pic.twitter.com/oCYvEIYh4d— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) November 11, 2024
Winning that game after digging that deep of a hole? Of course Campbell would be smirking. It’s a smirk that shows you can’t really believe that just happened and yet an understanding that of course it happened because the Lions are really special.
