Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates celebrates with teammates after game-winning kick against the Houston Texans. Photo credit: Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Just 19 months ago, Jake Bates was training as a salesman at Acme Brick in Houston, thinking his NFL dreams had ended. On Sunday night, Bates’ journey came full circle as he celebrated kicking a 52-yard game-winning field goal that completed a 16-point comeback and secured the Detroit Lions’ 26-23 win over the Texans.
“I just don’t deserve this,” said Bates, who spent last season with the Michigan Panthers in the UFL. “I was a soccer player growing up, I idolized football players in the NFL and all that stuff and just to be here is surreal. I’m still finding myself kind of pinching myself. I’m so grateful for all the doors that the Lord’s opened for me.”
Goff’s Struggle and Redemption
The Tomball, Texas native also made a crucial 58-yard field goal with 5:01 left in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 23-23. That kick ranks as the third-longest in Lions’ history. His clutch performance was essential, especially as Lions quarterback Jared Goff battled through a rough night, throwing a career-high five interceptions.
With the Lions now at 8-1 for the first time since 1954, Bates admitted he was at a loss for words, while his teammates showed their appreciation.
“I was like holding on. I was just like, ‘Please, please, please,'” said Lions cornerback Carlton Davis, who logged two interceptions. “Because they are a good team, and you don’t want to give them too many chances to get back in the game, and he iced the game for us. He did his job and I’m so happy for him.”
Historic Comeback for the Lions
Bates has been reliable throughout the season, including a game-winning 44-yard kick against the Vikings in Week 7. He remains perfect this season, making all 14 of his field goal attempts.
Before Bates lined up for the final kick at Houston’s NRG Stadium, Goff admitted his reaction was, “Holy smokes.” The game added a unique record for Goff, who became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw five interceptions on the road and still lead his team to victory. It was also the most interceptions in a prime-time game since Drew Brees in 2012.
“Ultimately, I never lost confidence because I felt like I was doing what I was supposed to do on most of those plays and our defense really bailed us out,” said Goff, who went 15-for-30 for 240 passing yards and two touchdowns. “They really did all day and guys stuck with me on offense and I was telling them, ‘Hey man, I’m good. Just hang in there. I’m good. I’m going to have this thing figured out,’ and they stuck with me.”
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Detroit became the first team in NFL history to win after trailing by 16 or more at halftime while throwing five or more interceptions. Goff described the experience as a “roller coaster” and a valuable lesson in perseverance.
“When you can dig in deep in those adverse situations and come out on top, it just prepares you for the next adverse situation,” Goff said. “It’s never over ’til it’s over. We were in a hole there and they were playing well, they were humming on defense. I kept giving them the ball over and over and we fought. We really did.”
Lions’ Winning Streak and Upcoming Home Game
The Lions’ seven-game winning streak includes four road victories in their last five games. They return home next Sunday to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, where coach Dan Campbell believes in his team and their ability to continue the winning trend.
“Look, I feel really good about our team. They haven’t done anything that would surprise me negatively,” Campbell said. “They’re exactly what I thought they would be, the fight they got in them.”
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This report used information from ESPN.
