After Chiefs win, Detroit Lions will probably sign a backup quarterback and kicker.
In their second preseason game of the 2024 season, the Detroit Lions traveled to Kansas City, Kansas, to play the Chiefs. Even more significant than the Lions’ thrilling victory over the Chiefs in the final seconds of the game is the likelihood that the on-field activity assisted Dan Campbell and his coaching staff in securing a backup quarterback and kicker.
First, let’s talk about the quarterback. Although C played well against the Chiefs, it’s becoming clear that Hendon Hooker leads the offense more effectively. Hooker came off the bench in the second half and missed two passes out of the gate. But after that, he was practically unstoppable, leading the Lions to a 24-23 victory.
In the fourth quarter, Hooker helped the Lions go within a point of the Chiefs by rushing for a 7-yard score. With barely two seconds remaining in the game, Hooker’s pass to Tom Kennedy set up Detroit for a 43-yard field goal try, setting up a thrilling finish to the contest.
If Jared Goff isn’t fully healthy for the upcoming season—which is hopefully unlikely given his preseason showing—Hooker will probably be called upon to fill in. Time will tell, of course, but Hooker’s case has just gotten stronger thanks to the preseason games.
Likely Kicker for the Detroit Lions
With two seconds remaining, Hooker moved to put the Lions within a few points of a victory. Campbell then called on current Lion Jake Bates, a former UFL kicker, to attempt the 43-year field goal.
Going into the upcoming season, it appeared that Bates would be the clear choice for a kicker following Michael Badgley’s tragic season-ending injury. That was further confirmed by this preseason contest. He was particularly outstanding most recently when Bates scored a 53-yard field goal against the Giants in the Lions’ preseason opener.
Bates outperformed the Chiefs once more in this encounter. Bates made a 55-yard field goal in the first half of the game that seemed like it may have gone much farther. After wide receiver Kade Davis scored a touchdown pass that went for 61 yards, Bates was unable to convert the extra point, which put him in a difficult situation. Bates is undoubtedly a skilled kicker, but his inconsistent play raises questions.
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