Sun Oct 13 21:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Lions Place Hope in UFL Standout Kicker Jake Bates

**DETROIT** – The Detroit Lions are betting on a former USFL star to solidify their kicking game. Jake Bates, who impressed during his time in the USFL, has been given the starting kicker role for the 2024 season and beyond.

Bates, a young kicker with a strong leg, has already shown promise with a perfect 5-for-5 record on field goals. He did miss one extra point and had a few near misses, but special teams coordinator Dave Fipp is confident in his development. Fipp emphasizes that Bates’ lack of extensive experience in college football was a significant factor in his trajectory, but his natural talent is undeniable.

The Lions are giving Bates plenty of opportunities to hone his skills. After a season-ending injury to veteran kicker Michael Badgley, the team decided against bringing in another kicker, allowing Bates to take the reins during training camp and pre-season. This strategy has paid off, as Bates continues to show improvement and has become a valuable asset to the team.

“He’s just going to keep on getting better and better throughout the course of the year,” Fipp said, “He’s going to have a miss here or there, that’s coming for sure, but ultimately, I’ve seen improvement already from his charting preseason stuff and then since the season began and the direction that charting’s going has been steady improvement.”

The Lions draw inspiration from the success of Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, another former USFL player who has transitioned seamlessly to the NFL. Aubrey’s impressive record, including a strong performance on long-range kicks, provides confidence in Bates’ potential.

“Even watching Aubrey helps me have confidence with Bates,” Fipp explained. “These guys are talented guys. They’re definitely ball strikers before, they’re playing soccer, they’re doing a lot of other sports. They’re not just a high school kicker who’s done it his whole life. They can get better, and they can improve.”

With a strong support system and ample opportunity for development, the Lions are optimistic about Bates’ future. They believe that with continued hard work and dedication, he will become a reliable asset to the team for years to come.

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