By Sunday 
Detroit Lions fans aren’t holding back this week — and neither is their special teams coordinator, Dave Fipp. After the Lions’ heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Fipp pointed fingers squarely at second-year kicker Jake Bates, saying the blocked field goal was “entirely because of the kick trajectory.”
That’s a rare move in the NFL. Coaches usually keep criticism of their kickers behind closed doors, especially when confidence is such a fragile part of the job. But Fipp didn’t hold back, and now everyone’s asking: was it really fair to throw Bates under the bus?
Let’s rewind.
With just over six minutes left and Detroit down by seven, Bates lined up for a 45-yard field goal that could have changed everything. Instead, his foot hit the turf early, the ball came off low, and the Vikings returned the block deep into Lions territory. Moments later, Minnesota stretched the lead to 10 — and the game slipped away.
It was the kind of moment that sticks with you — for players, coaches, and fans alike. But while Bates’ season hasn’t been stellar (he’s hit just 69.2% of his field goals, well below the league average), it’s not like he’s suddenly forgotten how to kick. This is the same guy who was lights-out as a rookie, nailing nearly 90% of his attempts and drilling six from beyond 50 yards.
So what’s changed?
Maybe it’s a confidence issue. Maybe it’s mechanics. Or maybe it’s the pressure of being part of a Lions team that’s suddenly expected to win every week. Whatever the reason, Bates’ slump shouldn’t make him the scapegoat.
If anything, this is when coaching matters most. Instead of calling him out publicly, Fipp and the Lions’ staff need to rebuild Bates — technically and mentally. Great teams know that every kicker, no matter how talented, goes through cold streaks. The best ones come out stronger when their coaches and teammates have their backs.
And this weekend against the Commanders? It’s the perfect setup for redemption. With Washington missing quarterback Jayden Daniels, Detroit should control the tempo — giving Bates multiple chances to get back in rhythm and remind everyone why he was one of the league’s breakout kickers last year.
Because at the end of the day, one missed kick doesn’t define a career.
But how a team responds to it? That just might define their season.