The Detroit Lions had a low margin for error against the New York Giants on Sunday, and from the start of the game to the finish, it was clear that every point and possession would be significant.
With the Lions trailing most of the afternoon, they needed a late-game spark to get into overtime. Fortunately, kicker Jake Bates was equal to the challenge, rediscovering his elite form. He drilled a 59 yard field goal to tie the game that barely curled inside the right upright. After more Jahmyr Gibbs heroics and a defensive stop, the Lions were 34-27 winners.
Without Bates being perfect on the day with field goals and extra points, the Lions don't win. This season, Bates had been far from perfect, going 13-17 on field goals and 3-6 on kicks from 50 yards and above. All of that went out the window as he was flawless in the moment the Lions needed him the most.
Afterward, Dan Campbell was well aware of how significant the Bates boot was. With the game on the line from distance, the coach was impressed with how his kicker was able to deliver.
"That was a big kick. That was big time. He's clutch. When we need him most, he goes out there and he makes the kick for us. That's not an easy kick. (59 yards). To have to go out there and ensure we're able to get this in overtime, that's a big kick."
The perfect game from Bates is just the late season confidence boost he needed. Kicking can be a major mind game. Fortunately, Bates will now have his head in the right place after watching a long field goal split the uprights with the game and potentially season on the line.
It's likely the Lions are going to continue to play tight games down the stretch, and having Bates once again resemble a top weapon is huge for Detroit. While there were plenty of frustrations to be had in Week 12, this was a positive development.
Bates happy to step up and deliver for Lions in another clutch situation
While Bates had struggled this year, he's been the king of clutch situations for the Lions. In his career in Detroit, he's a perfect 5-5 on game winning or game tying field goals. In other words, with the game on the line, he is likely to deliver.
Despite the fact that Bates was inconsistent from distance this season, he explained afterward that it only served to make the kick more imperative given some of his earlier frustrations with regards to performance.
"I think I owed this team one. It's just awesome to see how we fight back. They got us in range and it's time for me to do my job. I'm glad to see that ball came back left a little bit and went in."
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Like Bates, the Lions refused to quit even though things seemed low. It's something the kicker embraces about the franchise he represents.
"I think (this game) shows who we are. We're going to be gritty no matter what. We're never out of the fight. I think that stems from the top down. The never say die attitude. Like I've said, I'm so thankful to be here."
Bates and his performance served as a perfect metaphor. When it was needed most, the kicker and his team both stepped up and delivered. It could be the best possible confidence boost for each right now.