In his first NFL game of his career, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates delivered an outstanding performance in the first week’s games against the Los Angeles Rams.

Bates got his start in the second quarter by making the first field goal of his career from 26 yards out, but that attempt paled in comparison to what awaited Bates later in the game.

The Lions trailed 20-17 in the fourth quarter and Detroit advanced down the field with less than two minutes left before the offense stalled in Rams territory.

But the Lions were well within Bates’ reach and gave the former UFL star the chance to tie the game and send it into overtime – and the young kicker converted from 32 yards.

Jake Bates equalizes the game in the last minute! #NFL pic.twitter.com/8Ql11XksN9

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) 9 September 2024

It was a defining moment. Granted, it was a short field goal, but even a 32-yard field goal can feel like a million miles away in the pressure Bates found himself in.

The Lions signed Bates in June and originally planned to have him compete with Michael Badgley for the starting spot, but the veteran kicker suffered a season-ending injury.

But the Lions haven’t brought in another kicker to compete with Bates, showing their full faith in the former Michigan Panthers star. So far, that faith is paying off, but there’s still a long way to go before Bates establishes himself as a long-term solution in Detroit.