Have the Detroit Lions found their Kicker? | Jake Bates Update | Johnny Gaz Sports

The Detroit Lions opted to go for it twice in the second half rather than kick field goals in the 2023 NFC Championship Game. That could be Dan Campbell's aggressive style...but I argue that it also has to do with the Lions not having their guy at kicker.
In this video I will break down the Lions current kicking situation, spotlight the two players competing for the job, give my outlook on 2024 and answer the question....have the Detroit Lions found their kicker?
Highlights:
Lions News Update (1:56)
Who is Jake Bates (2:26)
Michael Badgley (5:11)
Outlook for 2024 (6:56)
Have the Lions found their kicker? (9:19)
#detroitlions #nfl #jakebates #michiganpanthers #ufl #kicker #dancampbell
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[@giuliani3570]

Yes, We have definitely found our kicker. I watched this guy all season as a Michigan Panthers season ticket holder. The guy is money.

[@johnnygazsports]

Love hearing this! Nice to have someone with first hand experience and eyes on him this last year chime in on this. Thank you!

[@giuliani3570]

He missed a few at the end of the season. All kickers miss some. But I believe all his misses were outdoors. Lions only play 2 games outdoors this season. I think a coach, and more work, he becomes the best kicker in the league.

[@ManifestMyFuturesDestiny]

​@@giuliani3570I believe they have 3 - - GB, Chi and SF but I understand what you're saying. It's something he can work on kicking outdoors

[@Brent6437]

Good Stuff Johnny. 🙏 Hopefully Bates is the man.

[@LiberalMedia1]

If Bates makes the team and demonstrates reliability it will be interesting to see what effect it has on Campbell's coaching decisions. I really hope works out.

[@righteousisthelord180]

Some day I want to see him kick a 67 yarder against the Ravens. I’m a serious note agree 100% Campbell needs to learn how to take 3.

[@johnnygazsports]

He is an analytics guy but having a more reliable kicker should help make the decision easier!

[@FranklinAdams-zz9tj]

he's the guy

[@hunterwebb5780]

As a panthers fan you lions fans are lucky the only thing you have to worry about is the kicker

[@johnnygazsports]

It feels good. After many years of suffering as a fan its truly been fun!

[@michaeldaniel1661]

thanks 4 info

[@MichaelDevereaux-zr3pt]

One more thing that I would add: I think Dan Campbell does Analytics, and in-game judgments both. The choice of going for it on fourth down vs a field goal will also come down to how well the defense is playing against that particular opponent.

[@johnnygazsports]

Are the analytics affected by a kicker that has a much higher percentage at distance?

[@MichaelDevereaux-zr3pt]

@@johnnygazsports I don’t know, no one has ever explained NFL Analytics to me. I do know that in MLB, they usually take each individual batter’s tendencies into account. Johnny, maybe at some point this season you could take a deep dive into “NFL Analytics” And create a video where you explain it to all of us who don’t know.

[@joshuagallatin8271]

I won’t be surprised if Bates clutches the Rams game while breaking Justin Tucker’s record

[@johnnygazsports]

Yes please!

[@enigmaticbrain1225]

Even if he makes the team, beating out Badgley, I guarantee it changes nothing about what Dan Campbell does on fourth downs. This is who he is, end of story.

[@johnnygazsports]

Fair. Maybe at the end of the year I can take a look at the 4th down conversion rate and make a good comparison. Should be interesting.

[@mitchcumstein9808]

I was spoiled for years with 2 kickers. Eddie Murray and Jason Hanson, then we had few good years with Prater but since….if this kid can get his leg under control maybe just maybe

[@johnnygazsports]

🙏

[@pickausername9002]

I'm feeling like this is our most overrated pick up in the off season... We'll see

[@johnnygazsports]

He is going to have to prove he is an NFL kicker for sure!

[@MichaelDevereaux-zr3pt]

Jake Bates will own the record for the longest field goal made in the NFL, probably before this season is done. It will occur on an end-of-half kick, and the only question is, when will that opportunity occur? Has a kicker ever attempted a 70+ field goal yet? Jake Bates will, And my God, each attempt will be entertaining and fun! (This all assumes he will make the team. An NFL kicker must be near 100% reliable when the ball is inside the 30. (e.g. a 47 yard field goal). I think Jake Bates earns the trust of the Lions. I think he makes the team!)

[@johnnygazsports]

I really hope you are correct. at the very least it will be super entertaining!

[@johnnygazsports]

Have the Lions found their kicker? What is the longest FG the Lions will hit this year???

[@MichaelDevereaux-zr3pt]

73 yards (from the Lions 44!) At home on Thanksgiving against Chicago, with two seconds left in the first half. The lions received the kick off with nine seconds remaining on the clock, and ran one play, a 17 yard pass to the 44. Dan called the time out, walked over to Jake, looked him in the eye, and said “You’re up, my man. Go nail this motherf*cker.” The crowd went absolutely crazy!