The Detroit Lions aren’t usually one to call out their own players publicly, but after last week’s loss, frustration spilled over — and kicker Jake Bates found himself in the crosshairs.
Bates, who’s been mostly reliable since joining the team, made a rare mistake that turned costly. During what should’ve been a routine sequence, he slipped at the wrong moment, missing a crucial kick that swung the game’s momentum. For a team already fighting to regain its footing after a string of tough losses, it was the kind of mental lapse that stung deeper than the scoreboard showed.
Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t name names directly, but his tone said it all. “Those are things we can’t afford — not in close games like that,” Campbell said. “You’ve got to handle your business when the opportunity comes.”
The Lions have been preaching discipline and execution since their bye week, but this latest mistake adds another frustrating chapter to a season that’s teetering between promise and disappointment. For Bates, the message is clear — tighten up, bounce back, and prove that this was just a blip, not a trend.
As the Lions gear up for another must-win matchup, all eyes will be on their special teams unit. One more slip-up, and the patience inside that locker room could run out fast.
Rare Public Rebuke: Lions Rip Jake Bates for Costly Mistake
